President Bola Tinubu has said that he will ensure an immediate review of the pension and severance packages of retired police officers to reflect the enormity of their contributions and commitment to the country.
Tinubu also said that his administration will begin processes to issue an Executive Order to set aside a day between March 5 and April 1, to be officially regarded as National Police and Veterans’ Day in the country.
He stated these during his address at the official launch of the Police Veterans’ Foundation, at the headquarters of the Police Service Commission in Abuja, on Tuesday.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, promised his full support for the Veterans’ Foundation, describing support for the retirees as obligatory and “a moral imperative” for government at all levels, and well-meaning members of the society.
Tinubu said, “Supporting and assisting the police veterans is rather a moral imperative, nay obligatory on government at all levels, including well-meaning members of the society.
“I must acknowledge that without these veterans, Nigeria would have no doubt descended into a Hobbesian state of nature where life is brutish, nasty and short; and only the fittest and strongest survive.
“We are further reminded that the idea of citizenship carries with it a sense of responsibility and patriotic duty.
“It is incumbent on us, therefore, to acknowledge the efforts, heroism and sacrifice made by those who gave their all, so that we may have peace and security in Nigeria. One of such responsibilities is supporting and sustaining the Police Veterans’ Foundation to enable the attainment of its noble objectives of giving a better life and hopes to our Police retired officers that will cushion the effects and burdens of post-service challenges.
“As the President of our dear country, I will not only give my full support to the Veterans Foundation but will also ensure that such areas as improving the pension and severance package of retired police officers, are immediately reviewed to reflect the enormity of their contributions and commitment to our country.
“Also, administrative processes towards issuance of an Executive Order will be immediately initiated to set aside a day, perhaps, 5th March (being today, the launch of the Veterans’ Foundation) or 1st April (being the date that the hitherto existing police forces of Northern and Southern provinces were amalgamated to form a unified Nigeria Police Force), as National Police and Veterans’ Day in Nigeria”, he said.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, and former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, said the Foundation was established to address the post-service challenges of the retirees, particularly health and financial challenges, and provide assistance for families of deceased officers.
He urged Nigerians to support the Foundation, not only to help the veterans but also to spur dedication and commitment in the serving officers.
“I, therefore, urge everyone to get involved in this noble act of humanity and humaneness by supporting the Foundation in putting smiles on the faces of our veterans.
“This will not only help them to age gracefully in comfort and dignity, but it will also spur the serving police officers to greater dedication and commitment, knowing that the society they are giving their best appreciates and honours them in retirement”, he said.
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