Diplomatic Appeal Calls on President Tinubu to Uphold Constitutional Rights of Retired Police Officers

Abuja, Nigeria | 6 July 2025

IHRC Steps In: A Call for Justice in Police Pension Welfare

In a constitutionally grounded and diplomatically significant intervention, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Corporation in Nigeria has issued a formal appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging immediate reform of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) as it affects retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force. This action directly echoes and supports the persistent advocacy of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun for comprehensive pension reform.

Highlighting Constitutional Breaches

The appeal, titled “A Diplomatic Appeal for Police Pension Welfare Reform in Line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” was signed by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Head of IHRC’s Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria. The document points to constitutional irregularities in the current pension scheme for Police officers, specifically referencing Sections 17(3)(f) and 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which enshrine the dignity and welfare of all citizens—particularly public servants.

Recent High-Level Engagement

The IHRC’s intervention follows a high-level meeting on 1 July 2025 at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where IGP Egbetokun received delegations from the National Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria (NARPON), led by AIG Paul O. Ochonu (Rtd), and a coalition of CPS retirees, led by CP Henry Njoku Esq (Rtd).

During the meeting, the IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of its retirees. He openly acknowledged the “deep-seated inadequacies” of the CPS, pledging to pursue sustainable solutions that guarantee timely and adequate disbursement of retirees’ entitlements.

“Our retirees deserve dignity, support, and a structure that reflects their sacrifice and service to Nigeria,”
— IGP Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.

This statement builds upon earlier remarks made by the IGP in February 2025, when he described the CPS as an “inadequate arrangement” that has left thousands of retired officers in hardship due to meagre benefits and delayed payments.

IHRC Adds Legal and Diplomatic Weight

By issuing this appeal, the IHRC strengthens the growing national demand for reform and directly urges President Tinubu to act in accordance with his Renewed Hope Agenda—centred on social justice, constitutional order, and public welfare.

“Reforming the Police pension system is not only a matter of human rights and dignity—it is a constitutional obligation,”
— H.E. Dr. Duru Hezekiah, IHRC Nigeria.

The Commission highlights the inequity between military retirees (who are exempt from the CPS and enjoy a tailored scheme) and Police retirees, whose dangerous duties demand similar recognition. IHRC maintains that this disparity must be corrected if the administration is genuinely committed to fairness and national security.

A Unified Call for Justice

As the nation reflects on the invaluable contributions of its retired Police officers, IHRC, NARPON, and the Nigeria Police Force now speak with a unified voice, calling for justice, urgent reform, and restitution. The outcome now depends on the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose action on this matter could mark a historic commitment to constitutional values and the welfare of those who served.

Prepared by:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head of Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

The post 🚨 IHRC Supports IGP Egbetokun’s Push for Police Pension Reform first appeared on ihrc.news.

Pilot Community Service Initiative Launches in Port Harcourt, Rivers State
June 12, 2025 – Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Community Service Initiative: Civic Responsibility in Action

In a vibrant demonstration of civic responsibility and grassroots mobilization, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) Corporation in Nigeria has officially launched the pilot phase of its Community Service Initiative in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The inaugural event was confirmed by Comrade Sundrix Ogor, Coordinator of the IHRC Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) Rivers State Chapter, following a comprehensive environmental sanitation and public awareness campaign across all 17 wards of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

Environmental Sanitation and Public Awareness

The exercise targeted:

• Clearing blocked drainage systems
• Cleaning street roads
• Promoting public hygiene at local marketplaces

All activities were focused on instilling environmental consciousness and advancing sustainable urban living among the residents of Obio/Akpor. June has been officially designated by IHRC as Community Service Month in Nigeria, with the Port Harcourt event marking a key highlight of this national outreach.

Local Government Endorsement

Sir Dr. Clifford Ndu Walter (DSSRS), Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor LGA, through his representative, the LGA Environmental Sanitation Chairman, Chief Amb. Comr. Chijioke Kennedy Akaninwa, lauded the initiative as “timely and impactful.”
He reaffirmed the Council’s strong support and willingness to deepen partnership with IHRC, emphasizing that such collaborations are vital to community resilience and a clean, safe environment.

IHRC’s Humanitarian Vision

In his keynote remarks, Comrade Ogor reiterated that the IHRC Community Service Initiative is a humanitarian outreach programme designed to promote human dignity, social justice, and peace through volunteer-driven engagement.
He acknowledged the contribution of the National Coordinator of IHRC SMM Nigeria, Comrade Elijah Vitus Echendu, for successfully mobilising local resources and goodwill to benefit underserved communities.

“This outreach reflects IHRC’s dedication to not just defending rights, but promoting dignity and peace through practical, people-focused engagement,”
he stated.

Reinforcing Global and Local Commitments

Comrade Ogor highlighted that the Initiative aligns with the global call to action on public welfare, environmental safety, and inclusive development. He commended the Council Boss for his proactive leadership, noting that the day’s success demonstrates the power of unified community action.

IHRC National Leadership Perspective

H.E. Ambassador Dr. Duru Hezekiah, IHRC Ambassador-at-Large and Head of Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria, underlined that the Initiative demonstrates the IHRC’s unwavering commitment to defending human rights, driving multi-sectoral engagement across Nigeria.
He affirmed the organization’s broader mission:

Uphold human rights, advance public welfare, foster peace, and empower local communities for sustainable development.

He further announced plans to replicate the initiative nationwide, urging all SMM Officials to maintain their commitment and actively participate in future programmes.

Participation and Team Acknowledgements

Among the key IHRC SMM Officials present and instrumental in the campaign were:
Comrades Otuedon Nunu, Chukudi Ossai, Akuegbu Gabriel, Owujie Edwin, and Godspower Wutche—all played critical roles in mobilising and executing the sanitation drive.

“What we do today, we do for generations.” – IHRC Nigeria

By Fidelis Onakpoma
Head Media & Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria

The post IHRC Anchors Street Sanitation, Commends Obio/Akpor Council Boss first appeared on ihrc.news.