The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has said, he is committed to “personally” address the retired police officers, who are currently protesting for improved retirement benefits.
The IGP’s assurance was made known through the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command.
The CP, FCT Command, met with the retires officers and informed them that the IGP will meet with them at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
The IGP later met with the retirees, however, yet to reach a resolution, as disclosed by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
According to the NPF: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has expressed his commitment to personally address the retired police officers currently protesting for improved retirement benefits. This assurance was conveyed through the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, who met with the retirees and informed them that arrangements have been made for the IGP to meet with them at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
“However, the peaceful nature of the protest has come under threat as certain individuals with ulterior motives have attempted to hijack the movement. These elements are dissuading the retirees from embracing dialogue and are instead pushing for confrontation and disorder.
“The Nigeria Police Force urges all genuine stakeholders among the retirees to remain calm, law-abiding, and receptive to the peaceful resolution process already initiated. The IGP remains committed to engaging with them constructively and addressing their legitimate concerns with dignity and respect.”
The protest was led by Human Rights Activist and 2023 Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore.
The engagement between the IGP and the retirees was conducted in a “calm and orderly atmosphere”.
The NPF continued: “In fulfillment of his earlier promise, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has arrived at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, where he is currently addressing retired police officers who gathered peacefully to express their concerns over retirement benefits.
“The IGP’s presence is a demonstration of the Police leadership’s commitment to listening to the plight of the retirees and ensuring their voices are heard in a dignified and constructive manner. The engagement is ongoing in a calm and orderly atmosphere, attended only by the genuine retirees who chose the path of dialogue.Further updates will follow as the meeting progresses.”
