CSOs Demand Investigation into Tear-Gassing of Pensioners

Civil society organizations, led by the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights (CHSR), have condemned the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Police Command for the alleged tear-gassing of elderly pensioners who protested at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday. The pensioners were demanding payment of their outstanding pensions, gratuities, and other entitlements.

At a press conference in Ijaye on Wednesday, CHSR President Alex Omotehinse described the incident as indicative of a troubling trend where security agencies disrupt peaceful protests. He emphasized that the protesters were not activists but elderly individuals who had dedicated decades of service to the state.

Omotehinse questioned the justification for the police's actions and called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to clarify whether he authorized the tear-gassing. He also criticized the disparity between pension benefits for former governors and the struggles faced by pensioners.

Additionally, he challenged the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, regarding claims that videos of the incident were AI-generated.