Police withdrawal: ‘Some lawmakers may not go home today,’ Akpabio tells Tinubu

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has 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 on Friday 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 following the withdrawal.

His words: “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.”

Recall that President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons, directing that they be redeployed to core policing duties across the country.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu issued the directive after a security meeting with service chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) following heightened security issues in the country.

Under the order, VIPs requiring security are to seek protection from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as the Federal Government seeks to boost police presence in communities, particularly in remote areas grappling with insecurity.

Tinubu later reaffirmed the directive on December 10, moments before presiding over the Federal Executive Council, expressing frustration over delays in implementation. He instructed the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to work with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Civil Defence Corps to immediately replace withdrawn escorts to avoid exposing individuals to danger.

“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,” Tinubu said.

“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,” he insisted.

Following the decision, Vanguard had earlier reported that the directive triggered tension in the Senate as lawmakers raised concerns over what they described as selective enforcement.

“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,” Ningi said.

He highlighted instances where ministers, business tycoons, and children of political office holders continue to move around with multiple security personnel. “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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