Sunday Ogwo Okpella, a retired Two-Star Traffic Warden police officer, has resorted to begging due to the escalating cost of living. Okpella, who served in the Nigeria Police Force for 35 years, now stands by the roadside every day, appealing for alms from motorists and commuters.
According to Punch, he was first seen around 7 a.m. last week on Tuesday. He was seen flagging down every private vehicle, Keke NAPEP and Achaba, telling the occupants that he had not eaten since the night of the previous day.
“Please help me so that I can find something to eat,” he had repeatedly told those who cared to listen to him.
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Despite his years of service, Okpella’s pension, which he claims is irregular, is insufficient to meet his basic needs. His situation is further complicated by the delay in receiving his gratuity. After retiring in June 2018, he had to wait for over a year before receiving a fraction of his expected gratuity.
Okpella’s plight underscores the economic challenges faced by many retired public servants in Nigeria. His story serves as a stark reminder of the need for improved welfare packages for retired public servants. #Police