CDHR CONDEMNS TEAR-GASSING OF LAGOS PENSIONERS, DEMANDS PAYMENT OF ARREARS

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights has condemned the reported use of tear gas against pensioners protesting over unpaid pensions and other retirement benefits in Lagos.

The elderly protesters reportedly gathered at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday to demand payment of outstanding pensions, gratuities, allowances and other entitlements owed to them after years of service to the state.

Reacting to the incident, the CDHR described the reported treatment of the pensioners as inhumane and unacceptable, stressing that retirees have a right to peacefully demand benefits they are entitled to.

The organisation, in a statement signed by its National President, Yinka Folarin, and General Secretary, Idris Afees, called on the Lagos State Government to urgently engage with the pensioners and begin the process of settling all verified arrears.

The group also urged the government to publish a clear and time-bound payment plan so that affected retirees would know when their outstanding payments would be made.

Beyond the payment of arrears, the CDHR demanded an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the reported use of tear gas against the protesters. It called for the findings of such an investigation to be made public.

The rights organisation also appealed to the police and other security agencies to show restraint when handling peaceful demonstrations, particularly those involving elderly citizens.

According to the group, pensioners should not be treated as criminals for demanding what they earned through years of public service.

The incident has renewed concerns over the prolonged disagreement between retired Lagos public servants and the state government over pension increases, consequential adjustments and wage awards.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has also reportedly called for the arrest and prosecution of officers involved in the alleged teargassing.

The CDHR urged the Lagos State Government to resolve the dispute through dialogue and ensure that retired workers receive their outstanding entitlements without further hardship or intimidation