The House of Representatives has resolved to interface with the Senate to fast-track solutions to the pension crisis facing retired police officers who have been protesting at the National Assembly complex for two months. This followed a motion by Hon. Okey Onuakalusi, who noted that while pension reforms have been implemented for the Armed Forces, Customs and intelligence agencies, the police remain excluded, leaving retirees dependent on an inadequate contributory pension scheme. 

The House expressed concern over delayed payments, loss of benefits and irregular stipends that have pushed many retired officers into hardship. A report on recommended interventions is expected within four weeks. In another development, the House directed its Committees on Narcotics, Human Rights and Public Safety to investigate alleged unlawful operations by NDLEA officers in Okpuje-Ilueha,Owan West, Edo State. 

The motion was moved by the House Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, who reported that a raid on October 27 led to the death of a 16-year-old boy and left several residents with gunshot wounds. He said such conduct undermines public trust and breaches human rights, and urged the suspension of implicated officers pending investigation.

Plenary was adjourned to next Tuesday following the death of Senator Okey Ezea, representing Enugu North. Outside the chamber, Chairmen of the House Committees on Police Affairs and Pensions, Hon. Abubakar Yalleman and Hon. Husseni Jalo, explained that the Police Pension Amendment Bill which removes the police from the Contributory Pension Scheme and establishes an independent pension board had passed all stages in the House and was transmitted to the Senate on October 28 for concurrence.

Addressing journalists, they said the protesters were aware of the actions taken by lawmakers and urged them to be patient as the bill awaited Senate concurrence and onward transmission to the President.