Esther Marcus, a self-described retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of the Nigeria Police Force, has expressed her dissatisfaction with the financial difficulties she encountered following 35 years of service, according to Punch Newspaper. Discussions on the circumstances facing retired police officers nationwide have been triggered by her remarks, which were caught on camera in a now-viral video.
According to Marcus, she joined the police force before turning 16 and served for over three decades before retiring in 2018. Upon her retirement, she received a gratuity of N1.7 million and has since been placed on a monthly pension of N40,000. She expressed concerns over the inadequacy of these payments in addressing the rising cost of living.
Marcus highlighted that her situation reflects a broader issue affecting many retired officers. She emphasized that lower-ranking officers, such as one-star and two-star officers, receive even smaller pensions, with some reportedly earning as little as N28,000 per month. She pointed out the financial strain these officers face, questioning how such meager sums can sustain retired personnel who dedicated their lives to serving the nation.
The retired officer called attention to the perceived injustice within the system. She stated that the compensation provided to retired officers is disproportionate to the sacrifices they made during their careers. Marcus’s revelations have brought to light the plight of retired officers who continue to struggle to make ends meet after years of service.
Marcus also noted the determination of retired police officers to advocate for better treatment. She underscored the need for reforms in the pension system, arguing that addressing these issues is essential for the welfare of both current and future retirees.
She said: “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?.