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Unresolved Police Pension can worsen insecurity and negatively affect internal security

The House of Representatives on Wednesday debated a motion addressing the worsening pension crisis facing retired police officers, following nearly two months of continuous protest at the National Assembly gate.

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The retirees, many of whom served over 30 years, have accused the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) of violating the provisions of the contributory pension scheme and failing to implement a dedicated pension structure for the Nigeria Police Force.

Despite enduring rain and sun, they have maintained a vigil outside the National Assembly, holding placards and appealing for legislative intervention.

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Lawmakers described the situation as both embarrassing for the nation and damaging to the morale of serving officers, warning that unresolved pension issues could affect internal security.

Moving the motion, Jesse Onuakalusi (LP, Lagos) stressed that police officers risk their lives daily, yet often retire into poverty due to inadequate pensions. He highlighted challenges such as delayed payments, insufficient lump-sum benefits, and irregular stipends that do not cover basic living expenses.

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“The contributory pension scheme under the Pension Reform Act 2024 has failed to account for the unique hazards and conditions of police service,” Onuakalusi said. “Other security agencies, including the military, intelligence services, and Customs, already enjoy special pension arrangements. The police should not be left behind.”

Onuakalusi urged House leadership to visit the protesting retirees to hear their grievances firsthand and assure them of parliamentary support.

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Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun), reflecting on his upbringing in police barracks as the son of an officer, described the retirees’ plight as a long-standing issue resisted by entrenched interests. He recalled previous efforts in the Ninth Assembly to remove the police from the contributory scheme, which were blocked by PENCOM and other stakeholders.

Chairman of the House Committee on Police Affairs, Abubakar Makki (APC, Jigawa), noted that the police pension issue has been under legislative consideration for several assemblies but emphasized progress in the current 10th Assembly.

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He confirmed that the Police Pension Amendment Bill (HB 979) had been passed by the House and transmitted to the Senate on October 28 for concurrence before being sent to the President for assent.

Mohammed Jalo, Chair of the House Committee on Pensions, reiterated that the bill has completed all stages in the House, including second reading, clause-by-clause consideration, and third reading. He suggested that the retirees’ protests may be directed more at PENCOM and the Senate than the House, and that ongoing stakeholder meetings aim to resolve outstanding issues.

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Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, presiding over the session, confirmed that HB 979 had undergone public hearings and full debate, urging that the motion be amended to reflect the bill’s current legislative status. Yusuf Gagdi, Chair of the Committee on Navy, advised amending the motion’s prayer rather than withdrawing it entirely to avoid undermining the bill pending in the Senate.

Following extended discussion, Onuakalusi amended his prayer to call on House leadership to interface with the Senate and expedite action on the Police Pension Bill, ensuring a lasting solution to the retirees’ grievances. The Deputy Speaker subsequently referred the amended motion as prayed.

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BREAKING ; Atiku’s Son dumps PDP defects to APC, vows to work for President Tinubu’s reelection

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BREAKING ; Atiku’s Son dumps PDP defects to APC, vows to work for President Tinubu’s reelection

The Son of Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, dumped the PDP and pledged to work for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

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Abubakar, popularly known as Abba, formally announced his defection to the APC at the National Assembly, where he was received by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, with APC leaders from the North-East.

Party leaders described the move as a significant boost to the APC’s consolidation efforts ahead of the next general election, given Abba’s political network and grassroots organisation.

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Announcing his resignation from the PDP, Abba said the decision was informed by his conviction in the leadership style of Senator Barau and the policies of the Tinubu administration.

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Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

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Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

Eight persons died while three others were injured in a road traffic crash along the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka carriageway in Yobe.

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The Yobe Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Andrew Longkam, confirmed the incident on Thursday.

He said the crash occurred around Gaggaba on the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka axis at about 12:40 hours.

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“Preliminary reports from Dogon Kuka Unit Command show the incident was promptly reported to the corps,” Longkam said.

FRSC operatives arrived within five minutes, enabling swift rescue, evacuation of victims, traffic control, road clearance and prevention of secondary crashes.

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The crash involved a white Howo trailer, registration DAL 963YY, and a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration NNR 437XA.

“Twelve adult males were involved, with eight fatalities and four rescued, including three injured and one unhurt,” he said.

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The injured and deceased were taken to Government General Hospital, Dogon Kuka, where the injured received prompt medical attention.

Longkam said the FRSC tow truck cleared the obstruction, restored traffic flow and notified the Police Motor Traffic Division in Dogon Kuka.

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“Preliminary findings indicate the Mitsubishi Canter, suspected to excessive speeding, committed a route violation and crashed into the trailer,” he said.

He said excessive speed and route violation were suspected causes, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.

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The sector commander urged motorists to avoid speeding, route violations and unsafe practices, assuring continued enforcement, emergency response and public education across the state. (NAN)

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Atiku finally breaks silence after his Son defects to APC

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Atiku finally breaks silence after his Son defects to APC

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has addressed his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice.

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In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”

He added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”

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The former vice president also highlighted his concerns about the ruling party, saying, “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”

“ I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”

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