…as Senate appeals for exemption from police withdrawal order
…as FEC urge ranching implementation to reduce farmer-herder conflict
President Bola Tinubu has stated that the protection of VIPs, VVIPs is not the responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force.
The President made this known on Wednesday in Abuja.
Speaking at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in the State House Council Chamber, the President noted that the directive to redeploy police officers working with VIPs, VVIPs and ministers was not negotiable, admonishing all ministers to ensure immediate compliance.
This directive comes amidst the the appeal made by the Nigerian Senate for the President to consider an exemption for the lawmakers.
Addressing members of the cabinet, President Tinubu said, “If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance.”
President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Police Affairs, Sen Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egebtokun, to follow up on the implementation of the order.
The President noted that police officers were trained to protect the lives and property of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable in society, and the protection of a select group of VIPs and VVIPs was not their responsibility.
President Tinubu said the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will make arrangements for the replacement of police officers by the Civil Defence Corps.
“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he added.
The President noted that the police would be mobilised appropriately to tackle the country’s security challenges.
He said the entire structure will be reviewed to better address vulnerable citizens and communities.
“We face challenges here and there of Kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. We need all forces utilised. I know some people are exposed; we will make the exceptions. The Civil Defence is very much around,” the President stated.
President Tinubu said ministers should meet the Inspector General of Police and get his clearance for special assignments that require police protection.
“NSA take this very seriously,” he added.
The President also urged the Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is the Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), to further sensitise governors and other stakeholders on the implementation of the reforms on ranching.
President Tinubu directed the Minister, Idi Muktar Maiha, to commence the mobilisation process, with particular emphasis on areas facing conflict.
“The Minister of Livestock, see which village or grazing area can be rehabilitated for ranching. We must eliminate this area of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable.
“The opportunity is there, let’s utilise it. You should emphasise the constitutional requirement that the land belongs to the state,” he added.
The President said villages and communities facing conflicts must be salvaged.
The President noted that implementing ranching will reduce conflicts between herders and farmers and attacks on the most vulnerable members of society.
In the same vein, the Nigerian Senate has called for lawmakers to be exempted from President Bola Tinubu’s directive ordering the withdrawal of police personnel attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country.
The appeal followed a Point of Order on Privilege raised during Wednesday’s plenary by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP–Bauchi), who disclosed that his only police orderly had been withdrawn in line with the presidential directive issued on 23 November.
Nigerian NewsDirect reports that the President had instructed the redeployment of police officers assigned to VIP protection to core policing duties in communities nationwide.
Raising concern on the floor, Ningi argued that the enforcement of the directive had so far been selective, accusing security authorities of targeting lawmakers while influential individuals and political allies still retained large security convoys.
“Since 1999, I have had only one police orderly. I woke up today and was told that even that one has been withdrawn.
“My problem is not the withdrawal itself, but that it should be implemented across the board. From the Presidency to ministers, to political appointees, even children of public office holders—many still move with heavy security. I have seen singers with orderlies. But a senator with one orderly is stripped of protection. It is unheard of,”Ningi said.
Ningi urged the Senate President to direct the Committee on Police Affairs to investigate why several categories of VIPs still enjoy security cover despite the presidential order.
“You cannot make the National Assembly scapegoats while others continue to enjoy privileges that the order sought to curtail,” he added.
Presiding over the session, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau confirmed that the Senate leadership had already held discussions on the matter.
“It is of concern to us. We have taken action and expect feedback today,” Barau said.
“I am sure we have a President who listens. By the grace of God, lawmakers will be exempted from the order.”
He commended Tinubu’s focus on national security but maintained that the legislature would ensure the concerns raised were addressed with seriousness.
