The Senate has raised objections to what it calls selective enforcement of President Bola Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police orderlies from Very Important Persons (VIPs). While some senators’ orderlies have been removed, many other VIPs continue to retain police escorts, prompting criticism from lawmakers.
Senators argue that the withdrawal is being applied unevenly. Senator Abdul Ningi highlighted that his single orderly was taken away, yet other VIPs—including ministers, business figures, and even some senators—still have police protection.
Lawmakers are urging that the directive be applied “across the board,” covering the presidency, vice‑presidency, National Assembly leadership, ministers, governors, and business leaders.
Senators fear being used as scapegoats and have requested an exemption for members of the National Assembly until a comprehensive review is completed.
In a statement before the Federal Executive Council, Tinubu ordered that all police officers attached to VIPs be withdrawn immediately.
The President directed the Minister of Interior, the Inspector‑General of Police (IGP), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to replace withdrawn officers with alternative security arrangements, ensuring that citizens remain protected.
The order follows a surge in kidnappings and terrorism, including recent abductions of students in Kebbi and Niger states. Tinubu also approved the recruitment of an additional 20,000 police officers.
The President asked Vice‑President Kashim Shettima to work with state governments, via the National Economic Council, on converting grazing reserves into ranches to reduce farmer‑herder conflicts.
Deputy Senate President Barau JibrIn, who presided over the session, said the Senate leadership had discussed the issue and is seeking a presidential exemption for lawmakers. He expressed confidence that President Tinubu would “listen” and “save us from that order, which was given in good faith..
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