Adamu Yusuf
The Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) has distanced itself from reports claiming that retired police personnel issued an 11-day ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assent to the Police Pension Board Bill or face mass protests at the National Assembly.
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In a press statement made available to journalists in Kaduna, the association described the claim as misleading and clarified that the purported ultimatum was allegedly issued by CSP Raphael Irawainu (Rtd), who retired from the Nigeria Police Force in March 2025.
The statement was jointly signed by the National Coordinator and Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter, Retired CSP Mannir M. Lawal Zaria, the National Legal Adviser, Retired DSP Ofem Mbang, and the National Secretary, Retired ASP Elnathan Jared.
The association categorically stated that CSP Irawainu is not a member of its organisation in any state chapter, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
According to the statement, the association, which has existed for over 15 years with structures across the 36 states and the FCT, remains committed to pursuing the welfare of retired police officers through lawful and constructive engagement.
The group noted that it has consistently advocated the withdrawal of police retirees from the Contributory Pension Scheme and recalled that four separate pension-related bills had undergone public hearings at the National Assembly over the years.
It explained that one of the bills was passed by the 9th Senate but was never transmitted to the President for assent before the expiration of the Senate’s tenure. Another Police Pension Board Bill, it said, was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly in December 2025 and transmitted to the President on February 16, 2026.
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The association, however, questioned claims that any Police Pension Board Bill is currently awaiting presidential assent, arguing that under Section 58(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), a bill cannot become law if presidential assent is withheld and the National Assembly does not exercise its constitutional power to override the decision.
It further maintained that the legislative process concerning the bill in question had effectively lapsed, making assertions that it is still pending before the President legally questionable.
“Which Police Pension Bill is currently before the President for assent?” the association asked, insisting that no valid Police Pension Board Bill is presently awaiting presidential approval unless a fresh bill has been introduced and passed by the National Assembly.
While acknowledging the prolonged hardship faced by retired police officers under the CPS, the association said it had adopted a pragmatic approach aimed at securing immediate relief for retirees.
It disclosed that discussions are ongoing with the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to improve the welfare of retired officers. Issues under negotiation include enhanced monthly pension benefits, harmonisation of pensions, healthcare support for retirees and their families, payment of previously denied debarment allowances, and the creation of a legal framework to guarantee these benefits.
The association said the measures were designed to provide practical and immediate support to retirees who have endured years of economic hardship.
Although it acknowledged the constitutional right of every retired police officer to express personal views, the association cautioned against misinformation and unrealistic expectations, stressing that such actions do not advance the interests of retirees.
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Consequently, it dissociated itself completely from the alleged ultimatum and urged retired police officers across the country to remain calm, law-abiding and united while engagements with relevant government agencies continue.
The association also called on security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to monitor the activities of CSP Irawainu and his group, alleging that their actions could pose a threat to public order and national security.