The protesters also warned that if the government failed to respond promptly, they would sustain their action until their demands were met.

A group of retired police officers staged a peaceful demonstration in Abuja on Monday, aiming to highlight the poor living conditions faced by both serving and retired personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

The protest was spearheaded by Omoyele Sowore, Convener of the Revolution Now Movement, who stood in solidarity with the retirees, calling on the Federal Government to take swift action.

The retirees voiced frustration over what they saw as years of being ignored, including unpaid pensions and inadequate recognition for their years of national service.

Sowore, during the protest, urged the authorities to acknowledge the contributions of police officers and make their welfare a top priority.

The protesters further cautioned that unless the government addresses their concerns quickly, they would continue the demonstration indefinitely.

In Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State, another group of retirees also organized a protest, carrying placards and banners to express their grievances.

Among their key demands was a call for the complete removal of the Police Contributory Pension Scheme.

Some of the signs they held up read messages such as ‘We demand total exit from the deadly Police Contributory Pension Scheme’, ‘Scrap police contribution pension scheme’, and ‘We need our full gratuity’.

Rights Of Retirees Must Be Protected

On Sunday, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, instructed Commissioners of Police nationwide and in the FCT to ensure the safety of retired officers participating in the planned peaceful protest.

This directive was shared in a statement by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

He also warned against spreading false information related to the planned protests happening across the country on Monday.

The Force spokesman stated, “The IGP has ordered that the rights of our retired officers who have chosen to protest must be protected, and the protest should serve as a model of dignified expression of grievance.”

President Bola Tinubu declared on July 17 that the University would be renamed in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Graduates, current students, and residents of Borno State have opposed the decision by President Tinubu to rename the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University as a tribute to the late President.

During a Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Tinubu officially announced the renaming of the university.

Explaining their reasons, the opposition groups said the name University of Maiduguri represents more than a title — it embodies resilience, academic reputation, and cultural identity, particularly in a region once affected by insecurity.

They suggested that Tinubu consider renaming the Federal University of Transportation in Daura or the Nigerian Army University in Biu, both of which have stronger connections to Buhari’s background and roots.

This recommendation was part of a public petition launched by alumni and student groups, asking the public to show support by signing on.

At present, the petition has gathered around nine thousand signatures and gained momentum within 48 hours.

The Issue

Preserve the identity of the University of Maiduguri – A respectful appeal against renaming University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria

We, as alumni, students, and concerned individuals, are reaching out to Your Excellency with an earnest appeal concerning the recent move to rename the University of Maiduguri to Muhammadu Buhari University.

With sincere respect for the legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari and his contributions to Nigeria, we believe the decision to rename the University does not reflect the sentiments of its primary community and contradicts the longstanding identity the school has cultivated.

The University of Maiduguri holds deep significance beyond its name. It represents strength, educational excellence, and cultural richness, particularly in light of past threats to the North-East. The identity of University of Maiduguri strongly connects to the region and reflects the school’s critical role in fostering development, peace, and scholarship in Northern Nigeria.

Over the past four decades, the University has produced many influential individuals, including leaders, academics, and public servants, all proud to call themselves UNIMAID alumni. The name carries pride not only in Nigeria but across Africa and the wider world.

Our Appeal:

We respectfully urge Your Excellency to reconsider and revoke the renaming decision. Although we deeply value the memory of President Muhammadu Buhari, we believe his legacy can be preserved through other significant initiatives, such as national monuments, research centres, or landmark projects, without changing the identity of a university so dear to its stakeholders.

In this context, we suggest renaming the Federal University of Transportation in Daura — a newer and symbolic institution located in President Buhari’s hometown. This would serve as a tribute closely tied to his personal and regional legacy. Given his military background, the Nigerian Army University in Biu could also be considered, as it would reflect his career and service to the nation.

Preserving the name of the University of Maiduguri is not about political sentiment. It is a call to maintain emotional ties and protect the heritage of a respected institution that has weathered challenges over the years. We ask that the memory of former President Buhari and the spirit of UNIMAID be honoured in ways that preserve the distinct identity of both.

We place our confidence in your sense of justice, unity, and dedication to listening to the people.

Thank you, Your Excellency.

The senate has issued a warning to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi central, advising her not to return to the national assembly until her suspension has been officially lifted.

On Saturday, Akpoti-Uduaghan declared her intention to resume legislative duties on Tuesday, stating that she had formally notified the senate in writing.

However, in a statement on Sunday, Yemi Adaramodu, who chairs the senate committee on media and public affairs, maintained that “no court order mandates the senate to reinstate the suspended lawmaker”.

Adaramodu emphasized the senate’s commitment to upholding due process and the principles of the rule of law.

According to the statement, “The senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to reaffirm, for the third time, that there is no subsisting court order mandating the senate to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan before the expiration of her suspension.”

It continued that the senate had already released two previous statements after the court’s ruling and the issuance of the certified true copy of the enrolled order, making it evident that there was no binding instruction compelling the senate to bring her back.

Instead, the court issued a suggestion encouraging the senate to consider adjusting its standing orders and reassessing the suspension, which it viewed as possibly excessive.

The court also ruled clearly that the senate did not violate any laws or constitutional provisions in imposing disciplinary measures due to the senator’s conduct during plenary.

The statement noted that the same court found Akpoti-Uduaghan guilty of contempt and imposed penalties, including a N5 million fine payable to the federal government and a directive to publish an apology in two national newspapers and on her Facebook page, which she allegedly has yet to do.

Adaramodu remarked that it was surprising and without legal basis for Akpoti-Uduaghan, while appealing and having filed a motion to delay the enforcement of those rulings, to act as if there is an existing recall order.

He cautioned that any move by her to return to the senate on Tuesday under a false assumption would be premature, disruptive, and violate legislative protocols.

He added that the senate would, when appropriate, review the court’s advice on amending its standing rules and addressing her recall, and communicate the outcome to her.

Until that time, she has been advised to remain away from the senate chambers and allow legal procedures to be completed.

On March 6, the senate suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for allegedly breaching its standing rules.

The suspension followed her accusation of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which she later pursued in court.

In July, the federal high court in Abuja ruled that the lawmaker should be reinstated, saying the length and manner of her suspension were too severe.

Nonetheless, the senate said it has not yet received the certified true copy of the judgment and would not take action without it.

Akpabio has filed an appeal to contest the court’s ruling.