By Amb. Anderson Osiebe
I watched, like many Nigerians, as the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026 was signed into law in less than 24 hours. It was swift, decisive, and reassuring, a demonstration that when the political will exists, governance can move at remarkable speed.
But today, I find myself asking a difficult question: why can’t that same urgency be applied to the Police Exit Bill?
As retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force continue to protest across the country, their message is painfully clear, they feel forgotten. These are men and women who dedicated their lives to protecting this nation, often under dangerous and under-resourced conditions. Yet in retirement, many of them are left to grapple with a pension system they insist has failed them.
I cannot ignore the contrast. On one hand, a bill central to our electoral process receives immediate presidential assent. On the other, a bill that directly affects the welfare and dignity of thousands of retired officers continues to gather dust.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown that decisiveness is possible.
That is not in question. What is in question is priority.
At the National Assembly, I believe lawmakers must also reflect on their role in this moment. Beyond debates and motions, Nigerians are watching for action and timely too, meaningful action that speaks to the realities of ordinary citizens, especially those who have served the country.
This is not just a policy issue for me; it is a moral one. How we treat our retired officers sends a message to those still in service. It shapes morale, loyalty, and ultimately, the strength of our institutions.
I understand that governance involves balancing multiple priorities. But I also believe that justice delayed, especially for those who have sacrificed so much, is justice denied.
If we can act in less than 24 hours for elections, we can certainly act with urgency for people.
The protests by retired officers should not be seen as noise to be managed, but as a call to conscience.
And I add my voice to that call: let the same speed, the same commitment, and the same political will be applied to the Police Exit Bill.
Because in the end, governance must not only be efficient, it must also be humane.
Amb. Anderson Osiebe, Executive Director, HallowMace Foundation Africa, Public Policy Expert and an Administrator writes from Abuja.
God bless Nigeria!
