CDHR Condemns Alleged Teargassing of Lagos Pensioners, Demands Payment of Arrears.

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.

The rights group, in a statement signed by its National President, Yinka Folarin, and General Secretary, Idris Afees, described the alleged action as inhumane and unacceptable, saying it undermined the dignity and rights of the elderly protesters.

According to the CDHR, the pensioners, who served the Lagos State Government for several years, were dispersed while exercising their right to peaceful assembly and protest.

The organisation stressed that pension benefits are earned entitlements and should not be treated as favours or privileges.

The CDHR urged the Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu, to urgently engage with the pensioners and take practical steps to settle all verified outstanding pensions, gratuities and allowances.

It also called for the publication of a clear, transparent and time bound payment schedule for settling the outstanding entitlements.

The rights group demanded an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the reported use of tear gas against the protesters and urged the government to make the outcome public.

It further called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to exercise restraint and professionalism when handling peaceful protests, stressing that security personnel have a responsibility to protect the lives, dignity and rights of citizens.

The CDHR said Lagos State, as one of Nigeria’s economically viable states, should not allow retired workers who dedicated their productive years to public service to suffer hardship while waiting for their legitimate benefits.

The organisation also urged the state government to engage directly with representatives of the pensioners without intimidation or harassment.

The reported teargassing occurred on Monday during a protest by retired Lagos public servants over outstanding pension adjustments, 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 use of force against the pensioners.