BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The Retired Senior Police Officers Platform has distanced itself from an ultimatum and planned nationwide protest allegedly issued by a group of retired police officers demanding presidential assent to the Police Exit Bill.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, retired Commissioner of Police (CP) John D. Amadi, the platform said retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Raphael Irowainu and his group, the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria (PROF), do not represent the majority of retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The platform, which comprises retired Assistant Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners of Police and Commissioners of Police, said it was compelled to clarify its position following media reports in which PROF reportedly gave President Bola Ahmed Tinubu an 11-day ultimatum to sign the Police Exit Bill or face nationwide protests.
According to the statement, the recognized body that has consistently engaged successive administrations and relevant institutions on the welfare of retired police officers remains the platform led by CP Amadi in collaboration with retired senior officers, including Alhaji Lawal Manir.
The group noted that Irowainu, who retired from service in March 2025, was previously part of the existing retirees’ structure before breaking away to establish a parallel organization.
“The actions and public pronouncements of the group are capable of undermining ongoing constructive engagements with government and relevant stakeholders,” the statement said.
While acknowledging the welfare challenges confronting police retirees under the CPS, the platform stressed that such concerns should be addressed through dialogue, institutional engagement and lawful negotiations rather than ultimatums, threats or inflammatory rhetoric.
The platform disclosed that following President Tinubu’s withholding of assent to the Police Exit Bill, reportedly passed by the National Assembly on December 4, 2025, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) initiated consultations with the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and representatives of retirees to explore reforms within the CPS framework.
It added that, in collaboration with the Lawal Manir-led group, it had since commenced structured negotiations with PenCom and other relevant authorities, submitting proposals aimed at addressing the welfare concerns of retired police officers.
“Our proposals and demands have been formally submitted and are currently receiving due consideration,” the statement said.
The platform emphasized that its approach aligns with established principles of labour relations and conflict resolution, which prioritize negotiation and institutional procedures over confrontation.
Consequently, it dissociated itself from any protest threat, ultimatum or claims of “non-negotiable” positions attributed to Irowainu and his associates.
The group urged the public, media organizations, government institutions and security agencies to disregard any representations made by PROF as the collective position of retired police officers under the CPS.
It also called on retired police officers across the country to remain calm, law-abiding and supportive of ongoing engagements aimed at securing sustainable pension reforms and improved welfare packages.
The platform reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with the Presidency, the National Assembly, PenCom and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force in pursuit of lasting solutions to the pension concerns of retired police officers.
