Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to rethink his order to withdraw police orderlies from members of the National Assembly.
Akpabio raised this concern during the presentation of the 2026 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly, saying some lawmakers are worried they might not be safe going home without their police escorts.
He said, “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 ordered the withdrawal of police officers assigned to Very Important Persons (VIPs) on November 23. The officers were to be moved to core policing duties across the country to improve security, especially in remote areas facing serious threats. VIPs needing protection were told to seek help from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps instead.
Tinubu confirmed the order again on December 10 during a Federal Executive Council meeting, showing frustration over slow implementation. He told the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to work with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Civil Defence Corps to quickly replace the withdrawn police escorts to avoid putting people at risk.
He said, “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 minister of interior should liaise IG and the Civil Defence structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties. So that you don’t leave people exposed.”
Senator Ningi also spoke out, saying he has never had more than one police orderly since 1999, but his was taken away without warning. He pointed out that ministers, business leaders, and even children of politicians still have multiple security guards. “I have seen singers and other private individuals with orderlies and complimentary protection. I cannot imagine that a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria would have his only orderly withdrawn while others retain theirs,” he added.
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