Godwin Tom, a retired police officer, has revealed that he got N1.7 million as retirement benefits after spending 35-years in service.
“I served for 35 good years, and I was given N1.7 million. I am not happy any longer, I am pushed to the wall,” Tom said in a viral video.
“I cannot go home because of the meagre thing that is given to me on a monthly basis. It is unacceptable. I am pleading that Nigerians should come to our help.”
Tom added that when the top officers first graduated from various police colleges years back, he and some of his colleagues were the ones who taught them the practical aspects of the job.
“When they left their various police colleges then, we were the ones that taught them how to carry out their duties but now, they are biting the fingers that fed them,” he said.
“It is quite unfortunate that they are displaying a high level of wickedness towards us. I am pleading with the IG, DiGs and AIGs to come to our aid.”
Meanwhile, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, has expressed his commitment to personally address the retired police officers currently protesting for improved retirement benefits.
CP Ajao Adewale, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, conveyed this assurance when he met with the retirees and informed them that arrangements have been made for IGP Egbetokun to address them at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
However, the peaceful nature of the protest has reportedly come under threat as certain individuals with ulterior motives have attempted to hijack the movement.
These elements are dissuading the retirees from embracing dialogue and are instead pushing for confrontation and disorder.
The Nigeria Police Force has, however, urged all genuine stakeholders among the retirees to remain calm, law-abiding, and receptive to the peaceful resolution process already initiated.
The IGP said he remains committed to engaging with them constructively and addressing their legitimate concerns with dignity and respect.