Atiku Blasts Tinubu Over Delay In Signing Police Exit Bill

The African Action Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over the delay in addressing the Police Exit Bill forwarded to him months ago.

This was just as he accused the Tinubu-led Federal Government of neglecting retired police officers struggling to survive on meagre pensions.

Atiku called for an urgent review of salaries for serving police officers, saying some personnel have been forced to withdraw part of their pension savings to meet their families’ basic needs amid rising living costs.

The former vice-president made the demands in a statement issued on Sunday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council.

He said retired officers who spent decades protecting the country were now battling hunger, illness and financial hardship, while some had resorted to begging and menial jobs to survive.

Atiku cited the case of a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police who reportedly receives a monthly pension of N29,000 and said more than 120 members of the officer’s association had died within three years.

He challenged Tinubu to meet the retired personnel and explain how they were expected to survive on such payments.

“No former officer should have to be discovered in distress before Nigeria remembers what it owes her,” he said.

Atiku recalled the case of a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police in Bauchi who reportedly encountered a former colleague gathering firewood to sell to raise money for food.

He said the situation reflected the difficulties confronting retired officers who had spent their working lives serving the country but could no longer afford basic necessities.

The ADC presidential campaign council also alleged that serving police officers were withdrawing 25 per cent of their pension savings to feed their families.

Atiku attributed the situation to rising food, transportation and medical costs, arguing that existing salaries were insufficient to meet officers’ needs.

He said the financial difficulties facing serving personnel could undermine their ability to provide for their families while carrying out dangerous assignments.

“Their pay cannot sustain them today, so they are spending the money meant to protect them tomorrow,” Atiku said.

On the Police Exit Bill, the former vice-president said the legislation was sent to Tinubu in March but remained unresolved as of October.

He cited Section 58 of the Constitution, arguing that the president had 30 days to signify assent or withhold it, and demanded an explanation for the delay.

Atiku also urged the National Assembly to publish the bill’s formal status, demand an explanation from the executive and determine the constitutional steps available to resolve the matter.

He called for any necessary vote to be conducted openly, with legislators’ positions made public.

The former vice-president subsequently pledged to address the welfare concerns if he assumes office in May 2027, unveiling what he described as his Police Dignity Guarantee Plan.

Under the proposed plan, Atiku said his administration would audit and settle verified pension arrears and gratuity claims according to published payment schedules.

He also promised to establish a minimum pension level that would be reviewed in line with changes in the cost of living.

The proposed programme would include insured healthcare for serving and retired officers, treatment for personnel injured in the line of duty, and timely assistance for families of officers killed while serving.

Atiku added that retired officers who were too ill to travel for pension verification would be attended to at home to prevent their medical conditions from obstructing access to their entitlements.

He further promised a review of police salaries to reduce the financial pressure on serving personnel and prevent them from dipping into their pension savings.

The plan, he said, would also provide officers approaching retirement with clear records of their contributions and entitlements, designated contacts for resolving disputes and reliable payment schedules.

Atiku said funding for the proposed programme would be included in the budget, with payments publicly documented.

“Police officers have given Nigeria their strength and their years. Those who protect this country must be able to protect their families,” he said.