Public safety is in peril if strike by the largest security agency (300,000+ personnel) could plunge Nigeria into security chaos during widespread unrest at a time like this. No, not in Nigeria again.
Building on “A Nation’s Betrayal: Econo mic Violence of the CPS on Those Who Protected Us,” this follow-up emphasizes the Nigeria Police Force’s accountability, the escalating strike threat, and the urgent need for swift reform.
Recent reports suggest that disgruntled Nigeria Police officers have issued a nationwide strike warning, labeling the CPS as “slavery-like”, and demanding full conversion to a Defined Benefit Scheme by July 31 or they threaten to shut down police operations starting August 1 and harm any officer on duty during the strike. This should be a source of concern and must be taken seriously to avoid violent situations. It’s essential to prevent escalation from frustration to open threats.
This underscores the extreme frustration we’ve previously called economic violence, and now reveals just how dangerously close CPS malpractice is pushing frustrated officers to irrational action.
In response, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has directed NPF Pensions Limited to launch a comprehensive investigation into allegations raised in viral retiree videos. This builds on earlier February initiatives, moving from initial dialogue to formal oversight. The IGP’s probe is a crucial move from outrage to oversight is commendable but getting the National Assembly to expedite action on exemption is key. Crucially, this transforms public anger into institutional action.
The situation Is critically eroding morale, active officers, seeing retirees abandoned, may lose faith, risking misconduct or desertion and more.
Public safety is in peril if strike by the largest security agency (300,000+ personnel) could plunge Nigeria into security chaos during widespread unrest at a time like this. No, not in Nigeria again.
Transparent and timely action from leadership can stem the tide and restore discipline and the time is now for our beloved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to act.
Oversight demands action, not just investigation. The IGP’s probe is vital but must be matched with structural reform to prevent further escalation:
Publish investigation plan, establish scope and timeline to ensure credibility.
Immediate release any withheld pension benefits without delay.
Independent audits of CPS processes and PFA activities is essential.
Expedite passage of the Police Pension Board and Exclusion Bills to guarantee equitable treatment for police, both serving and retired in line with what is applicable to DSS and the Military.
Building on leadership reform momentum
These steps align with President Tinubu’s past reforms:
Institutionalizing National Police Day and pledging comprehensive first-responder welfare
Lagos-era Modernization, equipping the Rapid Response Squad under then-IGP Egbetokun with vehicles, drones, gear, and incentives
February 2025 Directives to review CPS shortcomings—now bolstered by the June investigation directive
The path is laid, it must now extend from active service into pension protection.
President Tinubu & National Assembly MUST ACT NOW
With a strike deadline looming (July 31), President Tinubu and the National Assembly must act decisively:
President Tinubu assent to the Police Pension Board and Exclusion Bills posthaste.
National Assembly must prioritize amendments restoring dignity and pension fairness.
Civil Society should reinforce pressure to ensure reforms are implemented, not merely promised.
A stitch in time saves nine and this is more than a saying; it’s a national security imperative.
Preventing crisis, delivering justice is a task for every responsible.The strike ultimatum amplifies our earlier warning: when pension neglect escalates, discipline and security is endangered. The IGP’s probe moves us from outrage to much needed oversight. But without swift legislative action, we risk CPS breakdown ripping through the very fabric of Nigeria’s peace and order.
We started with “A Nation’s Betrayal…” – now we must finish with justice. For the officers who protected us, we owe no less than justice, dignity, and urgent action. Silence or delay now, not just costly – it could be catastrophic.
Prof. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Conflict, Peace, and Security Leadership Expert/Coach and a Public Theologian. He works with political, community, educational, corporate, and faith-based leaders to promote inclusive governance, strategic mediation, and sustainable peace in Nigeria and beyond.
He currently serves as the Chairman of the South-South Zone (Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Balyesa, Delta and Edo States) for the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV). He is also a Professor at Charismatic International University, Cameroon, and Professor at ICOF-CSU University, Zambia, where he contributes to academic research, leadership development, and peace education.
With over 30 years of professional experience, Prof. Bassey has served in diverse capacities across consulting, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, law enforcement, security strategy, academia, and United Nations peace missions.
An Apostolic Bishop and accomplished author of over 30 books, he is the President and Chancellor of the NISSI Safety Management Institute – www.nissiinstitute.net.
📞 For training, speaking engagements, or consultation:
📱 WhatsApp: +234 706 582 8892
📧 Email: [email protected]
