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Retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Adedayo Adeoye
A retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Adedayo Adeoye, has called on President Bola Tinubu to remove police officers from the Contributory Pension Scheme to enhance their retirement benefits.
He lamented that the scheme was driving many retirees into poverty.
Adeoye’s advice is coming as some retired police officers under the scheme planned to embark on nationwide protests by month’s end.
Speaking with our correspondent on Wednesday, Adeoye said a retired Commissioner of Police close to him receives N80,000 as a pension monthly, adding that the money could not sustain him.
He called on the president to establish a Police Pension Commission in place of the CPS.
Adeoye said, “We need our policemen to be provided with a good retirement life; let them retire at the age of 60. The retirement benefit of an average policeman is inadequate because they are under the CPS. It’s shameful.
“Imagine a Commissioner of Police receiving only N80,000 and a Chief Superintendent of Police receiving N35,000 a month as pension.
“What can that do for them? I urge the president to remove the police from this contributory pension scheme and create a police pension commission.”
The retired senior police officer also opposed the extension of police officers’ retirement age from 60 to 65 years.
The National Assembly passed the police amendment bill, proposing the age extension for officers in the country, and transmitted it to the president. However, the president has yet to sign the bill into law.
He stated that the extension was unnecessary and would hinder promotions within the service.
Adeoye said, “The extension of police officers’ retirement age from 60 years to 65 years is not necessary. My reasons are that many policemen do not declare their true age when they enlist in the police.
“Additionally, it will stagnate promotions in the Nigeria Police Force. Many people are expecting promotions this year. If you increase the age limit by five years, it means nobody will retire during that period, and they will remain in their ranks. All ranks will be affected, except in cases of death or dismissal, which is when vacancies will occur.
“Furthermore, by the time you reach the rank of Commissioner of Police and above, you carry a significant workload. You work around the clock and therefore, you need to rest by the age of 60. If not, many may not live long enough to enjoy their retirement.”
Speaking on the extension of the IG’s tenure, he said, “I have no issue with the extension of the IG’s tenure. The position of an IG is an appointment, and the president has the authority to make decisions regarding it.”
He also urged the president instead of extending the retirement age, to fully equip the Force.
“The president should equip the police with modern equipment. He can send a delegation to Singapore to understudy their police force,” Adeoye added.
