…Demands Immediate Payment Of Their Outstanding Entitlements
The Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) has condemned the reported use of tear gas and other forms of force against peaceful pensioners who gathered in front of the Lagos State House of Assembly to demand the payment of their legitimate pensions, gratuities, and other outstanding allowances.
The Committee, in a statement on Tuesday jointly signed by its national president, Comrade ‘Yinka Folarin, and general secretary, Comrade Idris Afees, noted that the images and reports emerging from the protest are deeply disturbing.
The statement reads, “Elderly men and women, who dedicated several years of their productive lives to the service of Lagos State, were reportedly dispersed with tear gas while exercising their fundamental right to peaceful assembly and protest.
“Placards reportedly carried by the pensioners conveyed the depth of their frustration, including demands for the immediate payment of their entitlements and concerns about the hardship and health challenges faced by retirees.”
According to CDHR, the inhumane treatment is unacceptable and a serious affront to human dignity to subject elderly citizens to such treatment merely because they’re demanding what they’ve legitimately earned through years of public service.
“Retired public servants are not criminals. Pension is not a favor, charity, or privilege; it’s a right and an entitlement earned through years of dedicated service. A government that fails to promptly address the legitimate grievances of pensioners and permits the use of force against them risks undermining public confidence and the principles of social justice.”
CDHR therefore called on the Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to urgently engage with the protesting pensioners and take immediate, practical steps to resolve all outstanding issues relating to their pensions, gratuities, and allowances.
“Lagos State is one of the most economically viable states in Nigeria. There can be no acceptable justification for allowing senior citizens and retirees to suffer unnecessary hardship while waiting indefinitely for benefits due to them.
We therefore demand that the Lagos State Government immediately commence the payment of all verified outstanding pensions, gratuities, and allowances owed to retirees, and publish a clear, transparent, and time-bound payment schedule for the settlement of all outstanding entitlements. Engage directly and constructively with representatives of the pensioners to address their grievances without intimidation or harassment.”
CDHR further demanded an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the reported teargassing of the elderly protesters and to make the outcome of such an investigation public.
“It’s important that security agencies respect the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression.”
CDHR also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to demonstrate professionalism, restraint, and respect for human dignity in managing peaceful protests. Security personnel must always remember that their primary responsibility is to protect the lives, dignity, and rights of the people.
“Those who wear uniforms today must recognize that retirement is a reality that awaits every worker. It’s therefore morally wrong to treat vulnerable senior citizens with brutality simply because they are demanding the benefits they earned.
“The Human Rights community, labor unions, professional bodies, and all well-meaning Nigerians must rise in solidarity with these pensioners and demand justice for them.”
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