We Have Turned Beggars After 35 Years Of Service — Retired Police Officers Protest At National Assembly

Some retired police officers staged a protest at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Thursday, lamenting the non-payment of their pensions and other entitlements years after their service to the nation.

The aggrieved retirees, many of them elderly and visibly frail, carried placards and sang protest songs, accusing the Federal Government of abandoning them after decades of loyal service.

“We have been turned to beggars after 35 years of service," one of the retirees cried out, as others echoed his frustration. “How can a country be safe when those who protected it are treated this way?”

In October, human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, had joined the retired police officers at the National Assembly in Abuja during a protest demanding the removal of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

The protesting retirees had described the pension system as a “fraudulent arrangement” that has left them impoverished after decades of service to the nation. 

They had called for an immediate return to the defined benefits scheme, arguing that the CPS has denied them fair and adequate compensation.

Sowore, who stood in solidarity with the protesters, pledged his continued support until their demands are met. 

He condemned the government’s handling of pensioners’ welfare, saying that those who served the country faithfully deserve dignity and comfort in retirement, not hardship.

“I’m not just fighting for the police; I’m fighting with retired policemen. You started this struggle, and I’ll continue to support you,” he said.

“The people holding your destinies in their hands must know that Nigerians will no longer keep praying while they suffer. One day, people will stop praying and take action.”

The activist also criticised the political class for enjoying luxury and frequent allowances while retired officers and other civil servants struggle to survive. 

He urged unity among all retirees across security and civil services, emphasising that the fight was not just for retired police officers but for all workers facing similar injustices under the CPS.

Sowore commended the retirees for their resilience and peaceful conduct, assuring them that their agitation would continue to draw national attention until meaningful reforms are implemented.

According to the human activist, "If those in power refuse to listen, one day the people will rise. When citizens are continuously mistreated, the government will eventually hear from them in a way they never expected. For too long, they’ve taken advantage of the people’s patience, believing Nigerians will always endure and pray rather than act.

"But one day, prayers will stop — and people will take action. That’s what I want you to understand. I’m not praying for you to merely get your time in office; I’m walking with those who will break free from those holding their destinies hostage.

"This struggle requires all of us. You’re doing a remarkable job. Since you began, it’s not just you who has gained attention — you’ve brought attention to the plight of all those with special needs in this country. That’s what true leadership should look like.

"Everyone should be here — from Customs, Immigration, Civil Defence, DSS, and even the general civil service — because they all reach out to me, asking for help. They say, “You’re fighting for the police, why not for us?” I tell them, I’m not fighting for the police, I’m fighting with retired police officers.

"You started this struggle. I didn’t. I just saw your movement one day and decided to join you. Others should start their own too, and we will support them," he said.