Prominent activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has strongly condemned the alleged payment of N1.7 million as gratuity to retired Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) in Nigeria.
The issue was brought to the public’s attention through a viral video shared by Esther Marcus, a retired DSP who served in the Nigeria Police Force for 35 years. In the video, Esther, who retired in 2018, disclosed that her gratuity amounted to just N1.7 million, equivalent to approximately $1,100. She also revealed that her monthly pension is only N40,000.
Reacting to the revelation, Sowore expressed outrage, describing the payment as “evil” and lamenting the treatment of Nigerian workers. He contrasted the situation with the lavish salaries of Nigerian senators, pointing out the stark disparity in how public servants are compensated.
On his X handle, Sowore wrote, “How on earth is anyone who worked for 35 years paid N1.7m ($1,100) as gratuity? This is a retired DSP of @policeng speaking about her pension and gratuity after retiring from the Nigerian Police Farce. This is so sad!”
He further highlighted the irony of the situation, stating that while retired police officers receive meager benefits, Nigerian senators are paid N29 million per month. He added, “It is the same country where a senator takes home N29 million per month, but the irony is that these @policeng officers will kill you in a heartbeat for fighting the system that oppresses us all!”
Sowore’s comments have sparked widespread discussion about the welfare of Nigerian workers and the inequities in the country’s public sector remuneration system.
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