Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Friday appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the directive withdrawing police orderlies from members of the National Assembly, citing safety concerns.
Akpabio made the plea during the presentation of the 2026 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly, warning that some lawmakers feared they might be unable to return home safely without police protection.
He stated, “As we direct the security agencies to withdraw policemen from critical areas, some of the National Assembly said I should let you know they may not be able to go home today. On that note, we plead with Mr President for a review of the decision.”
President Tinubu had on November 23 ordered the redeployment of police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) to core policing duties nationwide. The directive followed a security meeting with service chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), amid rising national security concerns.
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Under the order, VIPs requiring protection are expected to seek security support from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), as the Federal Government seeks to strengthen police presence in remote and high-risk communities.
Tinubu reaffirmed the directive on December 10 during a Federal Executive Council meeting, urging the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to coordinate with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Civil Defence Corps to provide replacements for withdrawn police officers. “I honestly believe in what I said… It should be effected. If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignment, contact the IGP and get my clearance,” the President said.
The directive reportedly sparked tension in the Senate, with some lawmakers questioning what they described as selective enforcement.
Senator Ningi noted, “It should be done across the board—from the office of the President, to the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, Ministers, and others. I have been in public service since 1999 and have never kept more than one police orderly. Yet, mine was withdrawn without prior notice.”
He further criticized the continued presence of multiple security personnel for ministers, business executives, and children of political office holders, arguing that senators should not be left unprotected while others retain their orderlies.
