By Our Correspondent
Nigeria Police Force has disclosed plans by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, to meet with the protesting retired police officers in Abuja.
The police said the meeting will take place at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Some retired police officers had on Monday embarked on protest at the National Assembly and some states to demand their removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS.
The demonstrators, mostly elderly, stood in the rain, holding placards and chanting anti-government songs.
Some of the retired police officers also besieged the Force Headquarters in Abuja to protest against CPS.
Speaking with the protesting retirees, the FCT Police Commissioner, Ajao Adewale informed them about the meeting with Egbetokun.
The police, however, said some individuals with “ulterior motives” are dissuading the retirees against embracing dialogue with the police management.
“The IGP has expressed commitment to personally address the retired police officers currently protesting for improved retirement benefits.
“This assurance was conveyed through the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, who met with the retirees and informed them that arrangements have been made for the IGP to meet with them at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
“However, the peaceful nature of the protest has 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 urges all genuine stakeholders among the retirees to remain calm, law-abiding and receptive to the peaceful resolution process already initiated.
“The IGP remains committed to engaging with them constructively and addressing their legitimate concerns with dignity and respect,” the statement reads.
