Rights group calls reported use of force against elderly retirees “inhumane and unacceptable,” urges Sanwo-Olu to settle outstanding pensions and gratuities.
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has condemned the reported use of tear gas and force against pensioners protesting over unpaid pensions, gratuities and other entitlements at the Lagos State House of Assembly.
In a statement signed by its National President, Yinka Folarin, and General Secretary, Idris Afees, the group described the alleged action as “inhumane, unacceptable and a serious affront to human dignity.”
The pensioners reportedly stormed the Assembly complex on Monday to demand the payment of outstanding benefits owed to them after years of service to the Lagos State Government.
The CDHR said elderly retirees should not be treated as criminals for exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest, stressing that pensions and gratuities are earned entitlements rather than government favours.
The rights group urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to urgently engage the pensioners and publish a clear, transparent and time-bound schedule for settling all verified outstanding payments.
It also demanded an investigation into the reported teargassing of the protesters and called for the outcome to be made public, while urging the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to exercise restraint and professionalism during peaceful demonstrations.
The organisation further appealed to human rights groups, labour unions and other stakeholders to support the pensioners in their demand for justice.