The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Mr Adebowale Lawal, has called for calm among retired police officers following rising concerns over the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and a proposed nationwide protest.
Lawal, while addressing senior officers at the monthly briefing held at the Officers’ Mess in Akure, acknowledged the dissatisfaction expressed by retired personnel over the lingering issues surrounding the scheme.
He assured them that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has taken strategic and commendable steps to address the matter.
The CP disclosed that the IGP had formally engaged the National Assembly and other relevant stakeholders to initiate the legislative process that would facilitate the withdrawal of the Nigeria Police Force from the CPS.
“This bold initiative by the IGP marks a new era of sincerity in addressing the welfare of both serving and retired officers.
“The matter is already receiving national attention at the highest level,” the CP disclosed.
Lawal, while urging for patience, directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Heads of Tactical Units across the state to organise sensitisation lectures to update both serving and retired officers on developments around the pension scheme, as part of measures to dispel misinformation and avoid unwarranted unrest.
He reiterated the IGP’s commitment to repositioning the police force as a transparent, accountable, and people-oriented institution, with improved welfare as a top priority.
“The IGP is a true welfarist who understands the challenges of both active and retired personnel. He is working tirelessly to restore the dignity and morale of those who have served and are still serving this country,” the CP noted.
He appealed to the retired officers to exercise restraint and allow the processes already set in motion to run their course peacefully, stressing that any form of protest at this stage would be both premature and counterproductive.
The Ondo Police Command further reaffirmed its dedication to upholding law and order, while assuring all stakeholders of its resolve to protect the legitimate interests of both serving and retired officers.
