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Retired Police Officer Laments N40,000 Pension After 35-Year Service

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Esther Marcus, a woman who claims to be a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police from the Nigeria Police Force, has shared her experience of being underpaid after 35 years of service.

In the now-viral video, Marcus, who claimed to have joined the force before clocking 16 years, disclosed that after retiring in 2018, she received N1.7 million as her gratuity and was subsequently placed on a monthly pension of N40,000

Voicing her frustration over what she called the “dirty contributory pension scheme,” she said, “My name is Esther Marcus, a retired DSP of the Nigerian Police Force. I retired on November 1, 2018. I just want to use myself as a case study. It’s applicable to every other police officer under this dirty contributory pension scheme.

“After serving for 35 years, though I joined the Nigeria Police Force at a very young age, I escorted a friend; unfortunately, she was not selected, but I was chosen because I was tall, even though I was not yet 16 when I joined the Nigeria Police Force.

And when I retired in 2018, I waited for over a year before I was given N1.7 million… after 35 years. Then, after waiting for another three months, they started paying me N40,000 as my monthly pension after giving me N1.7 million after serving for 35 years. And that applies to every other policeman and policewoman who retired under this dirty scheme called the contributory pension scheme. That’s what we’ve been going through.”

According to her, the Federal Government’s responses to their pleas have been largely ignored, despite multiple public hearings on the issue.

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Marcus added, “This struggle has been ongoing for over 10 years now because when I retired in 2018, there was a police retirees’ meeting. They started it in 2017 or thereabouts, and all our cries to the Federal Government have been met with deaf ears. It’s not an insult, but that’s the truth.

“They are aware of what we’re going through. They’ve held about three or four public hearings on this case. But when the Army was retiring, the DSS and other paramilitary forces — there was nothing like a public hearing.”

Marcus also highlighted what she saw as inequality within the police force, claiming that senior officers like the Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), and the Inspector General (IG) have been exempted from this pension scheme.

“The AIGs, DIGs, and IGs have exempted themselves from this dirty contributory pension scheme. They only left the Commissioners of Police downwards; they are the ones suffering it,” she said.

“The president cannot say he hasn’t heard this issue. He knows what is happening,” she added.

Marcus, determined to continue the fight for justice, vowed that the retired police officers would not stop advocating for their rights, saying, “Let me tell you, we will never stop fighting because even those coming behind us… you cannot just see pure injustice and not fight against it. It’s not possible.”

“How do you expect me to survive on N40,000? That’s for me as a DSP. We have two-star officers, and one-star officers, who are receiving N28,000. And you want them to survive on this? What offence did the police commit to deserve this ill-treatment?” she questioned.

We will not stop fighting,” she affirmed. “What we are planning now is to go and occupy their National Assembly and call CNN to cover the whole programme.”

She added that anyone opposing this reform is akin to a vulture, waiting for the vulnerable to perish.

“Anyone who is against us will not escape from this evil bondage,” she said. “That person, that man, that group who doesn’t want the police to be exempted from this evil— they are vultures because a vulture only waits for its victim to die, then it comes to feed. And that’s what’s been happening.”

Marcus further expressed her frustration, stating that it is unrealistic to expect police officers to stop engaging in corrupt practices when they know retirement will bring them into such financial circumstances.

She said, “You want the police, knowing fully well that when they retire, they are going into hell; you want them to stop corruption? They will continue collecting. They will continue extorting. They will continue enriching themselves by whatever means they can.”

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News Analysis: Wike in the Wilderness as Fubara Dines with the APC

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

On Friday, December 12, 2025, the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was issued the membership card of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC).

The party’s membership card issuance took place at the Rivers State government house, and it marks the official transitioning of governor Fubara to the fold of the ruling party, APC.

Speaking during the officiating, governor Fubara expressed joy, stating that President Tinubu’s vision will now be shared with the state.

“To everything under the sun, there is a time and season and I am happy today that I formally obtained the membership card of the APC.

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This primarily, is to align our dear state with the ruling party at the centre, with a firm belief in Mr President and the Renewed Hope Agenda to rapidly contribute to the growth, stability and development of Rivers State,” Fubara said.

The sudden and shocking defection of governor Fubara from the PDP to APC has been one of the top trending national discourse recently.

Netizens have proclaimed the “use and dump” tactics on Wike, saying that the presidency no longer see value in him.

Unverified reports have it that the FCT Minister might not make it to the next administration of President Tinubu if he gets re-elected since they’re now with governor Fubara, who commands the leadership of APC in the State now.

Also, rumors have it that Wike tried all he could to sabotage the defection of governor Fubara into the All Progressives Congress, but all to no avail.

Consequently, people have been inquisitive:

1. Will Wike now Join APC in order to wield state supremacy?
2. Will he work for or against the very APC he worked for during 2023 presidential election?
3. If he doesn’t join the APC, will 2027 be the end of his political relevance?

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FG Bans New SS3 Admissions Nationwide to Fight Exam Malpractice

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in both public and private secondary schools, effective from the 2026/27 academic session.

The directive was disclosed in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, as part of efforts to curb examination malpractice and restore credibility to Nigeria’s education system.

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According to the ministry, the decision follows growing concerns over widespread examination malpractices, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations. Under the new policy, student admissions and transfers will be permitted only into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).

“Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance,” the ministry stated.

Officials explained that the measure is intended to prevent last-minute movement of students for examination advantages, ensure proper academic monitoring, and promote continuity in teaching and learning.

School proprietors, principals, and administrators across the country have been directed to comply strictly with the policy, with the ministry warning that violations will attract sanctions in line with existing education regulations.

The statement reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring confidence in public examinations nationwide.

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DG National Productivity Centre congratulates Gov. Namadi on award of Doctorate Degree

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The Director General, National Productivity Center, Dr. Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, extends heartfelt congratulations to Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi on being awarded an honorary doctorate degree (Honoris Causa) in Business and Sustainability by the Federal University of Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

In his message to pressmen and media, Babba Dan Agundi described the honor as a well-deserved recognition of Governor Namadi’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to transparent governance, public service reforms, agricultural development and productivity, education, youth empowerment, as well as economic development in Jigawa State and beyond.

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The Director General joins fellow citizens in celebrating this “remarkable milestone” and offers prayers for continued wisdom and success in the Governor’s efforts to drive progress in the state.

“This prestigious recognition reflects your exemplary leadership and commitment to public service, youth empowerment, and economic growth in Jigawa State,” he said.

Dr. Baffa Babba Dan Agundi highlighted that this award is not only a personal achievement for Governor Namadi but also a source of pride for all Jigawa State citizens.

He commended the Federal University of Otuoke for recognizing excellence in public policy and administration, noting that Governor Namadi’s distinction will inspire many in and out of public office to embrace service with integrity and discipline.

 

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