Senator Abdul Ningi on Wednesday raised concerns over the selective implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police orderlies from VIPs, arguing that daughters and sons of political office holders, ministers, business executives, and entertainers continue to enjoy security protection.
Speaking on a point of order, Ningi denounced the removal of his single police officer, calling the conduct discriminatory and unfair.
He contended that the regulation seemed to target parliamentarians, despite other high-profile individuals keeping their security personnel.
“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 Yet, mine was withdrawn without prior notice,” Ningi said.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 pointed out cases where ministers, business magnates, and children of political officials insist in having numerous security personnel accompanying them.
“I have observed singers and other private individuals accompanied by attendants and complimentary security.” “I can’t fathom that a senator of Nigeria would have his only orderly taken away while others keep theirs,” he said.
Ningi called on Senate leaders to direct the Committee on Police Affairs to examine the claimed selective enforcement and provide a swift report, cautioning that the National Assembly must not serve as a scapegoat.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (APC, Kano North), who led the session, recognized the concerns expressed, mentioning that the matter had been addressed earlier by Senate leadership.
He guaranteed legislators that initiatives were in progress to persuade the presidency to relieve the National Assembly from the withdrawal mandate.
Jibrin instructed the Senate Committee on Police Affairs to look into claims that some individuals continue to receive police escorts despite the ban. “Through God’s mercy, the National Assembly will be granted exemption.”
“He is a president who listens,” he stated.
While reiterating support for the President’s security reforms, Jibrin highlighted the need for fairness, insisting that legislators should not be unfairly targeted in the enforcement of the directive.
President Tinubu had earlier directed the removal of approximately 11,000 police officers from VIPs nationwide to enhance police capabilities for essential national security duties and tackle understaffing in local areas.
Ningi’s motion reflects rising concern among parliamentarians over inconsistent implementation, prompting requests for openness and equitable administration of the order.
