The Retired Senior Police Officers Platform, comprising retired Assistant Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners of Police and Commissioners of Police, has disowned an alleged ultimatum and protest threat issued over the Police Exit Bill, insisting that ongoing engagements on police retirees’ welfare must remain within established institutional channels.
In a press statement signed by its Chairman, CP John D. Amadi (Rtd), and General Secretary, DCP Umege Uzochukwu (Rtd), the group said it was responding to recent media reports (Not THE WHISTLER) and press conferences attributed to a breakaway group led by retired CSP Raphael Irowainu under the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria (PROF).
The reports claimed that the splinter group issued an 11-day ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to assent to the Police Exit Bill, threatening nationwide protests if the demand was not met.
However, the Retired Senior Police Officers Platform said the position does not reflect the views of the broader body of retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), warning that such actions could mislead the public and undermine ongoing negotiations.
The group firmly stated that the retired CSP Raphael Irowainu-led faction does not represent the majority of retired senior police officers engaged in discussions with government institutions on pension-related matters.
It described the breakaway group as a “splinter association” whose recent pronouncements risk disrupting structured engagements already ongoing with relevant authorities.
According to the statement, the recognized platform has for over a decade served as the legitimate channel for dialogue between retired police officers and successive governments on welfare and pension issues.
The Platform reminded retired officers that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined institution, stressing that both serving and retired personnel are expected to conduct themselves responsibly, especially on sensitive national issues such as pension reforms.
It warned against the use of ultimatums, protests or inflammatory statements, noting that such approaches could jeopardise ongoing negotiations and delay possible policy solutions.
While acknowledging the frustrations surrounding welfare under the Contributory Pension Scheme, the group said such concerns should be addressed through dialogue, negotiation and lawful institutional processes.
The statement noted that following the withholding of presidential assent to the Police Exit Bill passed by the National Assembly on 4 December 2025, renewed engagements had begun involving the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), the Nigeria Police leadership and representatives of retirees.
According to the Platform, PENCOM’s Director-General initiated consultations aimed at exploring reforms within the CPS framework to address long-standing concerns of police retirees.
It said its leadership, working alongside other recognised retiree representatives, has already submitted proposals currently under review by relevant authorities.
The group stressed that it does not support any claim of “non-negotiable” demands or unilateral ultimatums issued outside established negotiation structures.
It urged the public, the media, security agencies and government institutions to disregard any representations made by the breakaway group as the collective position of retired police officers under the CPS.
The Platform called on all retired police officers to remain calm, united and law-abiding, while continuing to support ongoing discussions aimed at achieving sustainable reforms in the pension system.
It reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the Presidency, the National Assembly, PENCOM and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
ENDS
(The Whistler)
