By George Mgbeleke

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were in panic on Monday as retired police officers and rights activists, led by former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, took the streets in what is being described as the “mother of all protests.”

At the centre of the unrest is a long-standing grievance: “the Contributory Pension Scheme.” Retired police officers said the scheme is unfair, exploitative, and leaves them impoverished after years of service.

The embattled retired police officers are demanding immediate removal from the scheme and a full refund of their contributions, hundreds have converged on the National Assembly and Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Retired Police Officers, Mannir M. Lawal, said the protest is peaceful and was not connected with Sowore, whose planned rally has drawn separate attention.
“We are not aware of his protest before now,” Lawal told Daily Champion while reaffirming the retirees’ decision to press on.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has raised alarm, accusing unnamed political actors of politicising the issue.
In a strongly worded statement, Force PRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the protests are being twisted for “ulterior motives,” adding that “their intent is not reform, but disruption.”

A leaked memo from the FCT Command revealed that officers have been ordered to remain in their barracks — a move seen by many as a sign of internal unease within the force.

Sowore, unfazed by the backlash, doubled down on social media, slamming the Tinubu administration for what he called decades of disrespect towards police personnel. “You humiliated them in service and in retirement. Now you scramble to save face,” he posted.

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has urged a return to dialogue, warning that the protests could undermine the credibility of Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered Commissioners of Police to ensure peaceful conduct during the July 21 protest being organised by retired police officers over welfare.

The spokesman of the Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said the order applies to Police Commands in states where formal notices for protest had been received.

The IGP had directed the CPs to provide adequate security coverage to the protesters who had chosen to publicly express their grievances

police boss urged the CPs to prevent any hijacking of the protest by miscreants, political actors, or non-retired agitators.

He enjoined the CPs to sensitise officers and men under their command on the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly, and the obligation to show utmost respect to the retired officers.

Mr Egbetokun urged the senior police officers to deploy intelligence and operational resources of the force to protect lives, maintain public order, and safeguard institutional integrity.

The I-G urged police officers to note that the protest, described as “the mother of all peaceful protests”, must not only be peaceful, but it must also be exemplary.

Be that as it, eye-witness account revealed that there are about 15 hellux vans drawn from different locations in Abuja stationed at the entrance of National Assembly Mopo gate with fully arned Police officers.

This development may not be unconnected with NASS resumption date today (Tuesday 22nd July), perhaps to prevent the protesters from having access to the nation’s apex legislative house.

The vigilant police officers were still there as at the time of filling this story