Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has called out the Nigerian government over the gross injustice in the treatment of retired police officers compared to the generous rewards given to national athletes.
In a statement posted via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, Sowore criticised the Nigerian government for neglecting police officers who serve the country for decades, only to retire into poverty.
Sowore explained that life is brutally unfair to officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
He said the Super Falcons trained for one year, played for one month, won the WAFCON, and were rewarded with $100,000 (about N150 million) each and houses.
He noted that police officers who “protected the country for decades, worked 35 years, and retired with just $1,500 (N2 million) as gratuity, no houses, no medicals, and a small pension.
Sowore further questioned the extravagant benefits enjoyed by Nigeria’s political elites, contrasting them with the meagre entitlements of ordinary public servants.
According to the human rights activist, “Life is brutally unfair to Nigeria Police Force @policeng officers!”
“Super Falcons won WAFCON, trained for 1 year, played for 1 month, were rewarded with $100,000 (N150million) each and houses!
“Police officers protected them for decades, worked 35 years, retired with $1,500 (N2million as gratuity), no houses, no medicals, and a little pension!
“The President or the Governor who handed the awards? $1 BILLION in gratuity, lifetime pension, homes everywhere, full medicals!” he added.
SaharaReporters on Monday reported that President Tinubu had admitted that he initially did not want to watch the final match of WAFCON in which the Super Falcons defeated Morocco, citing emotional tension.
Tinubu said he, however, gave in and joined millions of Nigerians in witnessing the thrilling encounter that ended in a 3-2 victory.
Speaking at a presidential reception held in their honour on Monday, Tinubu told the jubilant team, “I didn’t want to watch the match initially because I don’t want high blood pressure. My wife was cooking my food in the kitchen, rushed out to tell me we have won.”
At the event, the President announced a series of rewards to celebrate the team’s achievement. Each player and technical crew member was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).
He also directed that a three-bedroom apartment be allocated to each member of the squad and coaching staff under the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme.
Additionally, Tinubu approved a cash award of the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players, and $50,000 to each member of the technical crew.
“You have inspired millions, especially young girls who now see proof that their dreams are valid and achievable.
“You have inspired me, too. And it’s great for a nation to have assets that are the hope of today, tomorrow, and the day after. You represent that hope. You ignited that hope. And we will continue to encourage you, the next generation, and other generations after you,” President Tinubu said amid cheers from the team.
He further praised the players for lifting the nation’s spirits during a time of great challenges.
“Your victory represents more than a sporting accomplishment. It is a triumph of resilience, unity, and national pride,” the President added.
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