Lagos Government Faces Backlash Over Teargassing Of Pensioners, CDHR Demands Payment Of Benefits

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has demanded an investigation into the reported use of tear gas against Lagos pensioners protesting unpaid pensions, gratuities and other entitlements at the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The rights group made the demand in a statement signed by its National President, Yinka Folarin, and General Secretary, Idris Afees, following the protest in Alausa, Lagos, on Monday.

The CDHR also urged the Lagos State government to settle all verified outstanding benefits owed to the retirees.

According to the group, the pensioners had gathered at the Lagos State Government Secretariat and the House of Assembly complex to demand payment of pension adjustments, consequential adjustments, wage awards and other outstanding entitlements.

The CDHR said the reported use of tear gas to disperse the elderly protesters was unacceptable and called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. It asked the government to make the outcome of any investigation public.

“Retired public servants are not criminals. Pension is not a favour, charity or privilege; it is a right and an entitlement earned through years of dedicated service,” the group said.

The organisation also called on the state government to publish a clear and time-bound schedule for settling the verified arrears. It urged the government to meet directly with representatives of the pensioners and address their grievances without intimidation.

The CDHR further appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to exercise restraint when handling peaceful protests.

It said security personnel should protect the lives and rights of citizens while carrying out their duties.

The development followed a prolonged dispute between retired Lagos public servants and the state government over unpaid pension increments, consequential adjustments and wage awards.

The pensioners have continued to demand payment of the outstanding benefits.

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, also reportedly called for the arrest and prosecution of officers allegedly involved in the use of tear gas during Monday’s protest.

The CDHR urged labour unions, human rights organizations, professional bodies and other Nigerians to support the pensioners’ demand for the payment of their outstanding entitlements.