Apologise to pensioners you tear-gassed, pay them their entitlements, MURIC tells Lagos govt
By KEMI KASUMU
“In the same vein, we charge the state government to expedite action on the settlement of all their outstanding entitlements. It is the height of wickedness and insensitivity to procrastinate in the matter of giving pensioners their due.”
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the use of tear gas against retired workers of the Lagos State Government who protested yesterday over delays in the payment of their pensions and other entitlements.
The Islamic human rights organisation demanded an unreserved apology for what it described as an irrational attack. It also called on the Lagos State Government to expedite action on the settlement of the pensioners’ outstanding entitlements.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola.
According to the statement, “Angry pensioners staged a protest at Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday, Monday, 31 August 2026, to express their grievances over the prolonged delay in the payment of their entitlements, including unpaid pension increases, wage awards and other outstanding benefits.
“The protest was organised by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme.
“However, the protest took an unexpected turn when tear gas was fired at the senior citizens, forcing them to flee the premises.
“We strongly condemn the use of tear gas on non-violent protesters, least of all senior citizens, many of whom are frail and vulnerable. It was reckless, unprofessional and lacking in all forms of civility.
“We therefore demand an unreserved apology from the state police command. People who served the state government in their prime, giving it their strength, experience and intellect, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity in retirement.
“In the same vein, we charge the state government to expedite action on the settlement of all their outstanding entitlements. It is the height of wickedness and insensitivity to procrastinate in the matter of giving pensioners their due.”
