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 appeal on Friday during the presentation of the 2026 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly.
He warned that some lawmakers feared they might not be able to return home safely following the withdrawal of 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.”
Recall that President Tinubu, on November 23, ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons, directing that they be redeployed to core policing duties nationwide.
According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the directive followed a security meeting with service chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services amid rising security challenges across the country.
Under the directive, VIPs requiring security were asked to seek protection from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps as part of efforts to boost police presence in communities, especially in remote areas affected by insecurity.
The President later reaffirmed the order on December 10 before presiding over a Federal Executive Council meeting, expressing concern over delays in its 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with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Civil Defence Corps to ensure immediate replacement of withdrawn escorts.
Tinubu 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 with the IGP and the Civil Defence structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties.
“So that you don’t leave people exposed.”
Following the decision, tension reportedly rose in the Senate, with some lawmakers accusing the authorities of selective enforcement.
One of the senators, Ningi, was quoted as saying the directive should apply to everyone.
“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,” he said.
He added, “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 also raised concerns that ministers, business figures and relatives of political office holders still move 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 said.
