A brewing conflict has emerged between the Nigerian Senate and the Presidency over the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police orderlies from Very Important Persons (VIPs).
Senators raised an alarm on Wednesday, accusing the Nigeria Police Force of selective enforcement. Led by Senator Abdul Ningi, they argued that while their own security details had been withdrawn, ministers, business tycoons, and family members of officials still enjoyed police protection. The lawmakers demanded the directive be applied “across the board in the spirit of fairness and equity” and warned that the National Assembly should not be made a “scapegoat.”
In a swift response during the Federal Executive Council meeting, President Tinubu insisted on total compliance with the order. He directed the Interior Minister and the Inspector-General of Police to immediately replace withdrawn officers with personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to prevent any security vacuum. The President emphasized the need to deploy all available forces to tackle the nation’s kidnapping and terrorism crises.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin indicated that Senate leadership is seeking an exemption for lawmakers, calling it “in line with international practice,” and expressed confidence the President would reconsider.
Disclaimer:
This report is based on proceedings from the Nigerian Senate and statements from the Presidential Villa. CDA News cannot independently verify all claims of selective enforcement. The views of the senators and the executive branch are presented as stated.
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