December 14, (THEWILL) — A clash between the Senate and President Bola Tinubu over the standing order on withdrawal of police escort to VIPs is imminent. Following the President’s insistence that the order stands, regardless of subtle protest from lawmakers who claim that they stand exposed if their security details are withdrawn while carrying out oversight functions in their respective constituencies.
During last week’s Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting, President Tinubu reaffirmed his earlier directive for the immediate withdrawal of police men attached to VIPs, insisting that Nigeria can no longer afford to keep critical security manpower away from conflict-prone areas grappling with terrorism, kidnapping and violent crimes. The president had, on November 23, ordered the withdrawal of police personnel attached to VIPs nationwide. He also directed that the officers be redeployed to strengthen core policing duties across communities.
Directing relevant security agencies to ensure full and prompt implementation of the directive, President Tinubu said, “I honestly believe in what I said and I called the IGP. If you have any security problems because of the nature of the assignment, please contact the IGP and get my clearance.” He also emphasised that exceptional cases would be considered strictly on approval.
To avoid exposing individuals previously covered by police protection, the President directed the Ministry of Interior to liaise with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to provide alternative security arrangement.
“The Minister of Interior should liaise with the IGP and Civil Defence structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties, so that you don’t leave people exposed”, he said. The President further directed the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to constitute a committee to review the existing security structure and ensure the effective redeployment of personnel.
“NSA and DSS should provide further information and form themselves into a committee and review the structure. It should be effected”, he ordered. Expressing deep concern over the persistent threats of kidnapping and terrorism, President Tinubu stressed that all available security resources must be deployed where they are most needed.
“We face challenges here and there of kidnapping and terrorism; we need all the forces that we can utilise”, he stated. While acknowledging that some individuals may face genuine security risks, the President maintained that such responsibilities should be handled by other armed formations.
President Tinubu also called for enhanced arming of forest guards as part of efforts to secure ungoverned spaces. “I know some of our people are exposed… Civil Defence are equally armed and I want to know from the NSA to arm our forest guards too. Take it very seriously.”
Reacting immediately, the Senate sought for an exemption from the order for the withdrawal of police personnel attached to ‘Very Important Persons’ (VIPs) nationwide. The upper chamber’s request was sequel to a Point of Order on Privilege raised by Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi) during plenary.
In his point of order, Ningi complained about the withdrawal of his only police Orderly, while many political office holders in the country were still enjoying police cover. He demanded that it should be done across board in the spirit of fairness and equity.
Ningi said: “Mr President, I’ve been around this National Assembly since 1999. Right from 1999, I was having one police orderly. I have never questioned any additional security personnel. I woke up today and I was told my police Orderly and other police orderlies had been withdrawn. Mr President, I don’t have any problem with that. My problem is that this thing should go across the board.”
Having caught the attention of his colleagues, Ningi added personal angles to his demand. “Let’s see what happens from the Office of the President, to the Vice-President, to the Senate President, to the Speaker of the House, to the Ministers,” he said, adding that, “after they had withdrawn my orderly, I saw two convoys of ministers and they were carrying lots of security personnel.
“I have also seen daughters and sons of political office holders having orderlies and having security covers. Mr President, I have seen singers having orderlies. I cannot ever imagine a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who has been here for a very long time having only one orderly and he was withdrawn.” This is unheard of in any democracy. And that’s why I said this is a matter that insults me; it concerns me; it is not right and it should be taken with all the seriousness it deserves,” he said.
The senator urged the Senate President to ask the Chairman of the Committee on Police to please investigate why other people were having security covers in spite of the presidential order.
“You cannot just put the National Assembly as scapegoats while others enjoy the privileges of security control,” he said. In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over plenary, said that the leadership of the senate had a meeting on the issue.
“Yesterday, I’m sure you saw us, we had a leadership meeting. This was discussed and we took action and we expect the outcome of that action to be available to us today. It is of concern to us and I will raise the issue. And we’re dealing with that. We will be at the top of the situation,” Barau said.
He assured that the issue raised would be taken seriously, stressing: “I’m sure we have a president who listens to us and, by the grace of God, he will exempt us from that order.
Only a few days earlier Professor Wole Soyinka had spoken in the same vein as Senator Ningi, arguing that the President’s son enjoys such security convoy in the range of a battalion that has the power to quell and protect neighbouring Benin Republic, which witnessed a failed coup detat courtesy of Nigeria’s intervention.
As of press time, the Deputy President’s prayers that the President would exempt the senior lawmakers from the order has not been affected, leaving the lawmakers in a fix.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
