Lawmakers protest selective implementation of presidential order
There was an atmosphere of tension and palpable anger on the floor of the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday as lawmakers protested the perceived selective implementation of a major presidential directive.
The directive, issued by President Bola Tinubu, called for the immediate withdrawal of police orderlies from Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country. Led by Senator Abdul Ningi (representing Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bauchi Central), many senators voiced their strong dissatisfaction with the implementation process.
They argued that the directive was being applied unfairly, targeting members of the National Assembly (NASS) while sparing many others. The lawmakers warned that they should not be used as scapegoats in the effort to free up security personnel. They demanded an equitable application of the policy, or outright exemption for parliamentary members given their roles and security vulnerability.
Senator ningi laments withdrawal of his only police orderly
Senator Ningi initiated the debate by raising a formal complaint through a Point of Order, detailing his personal experience with the abrupt policy implementation. He lamented that his only police orderly was unexpectedly withdrawn in the early hours of Wednesday. This action, he noted, left him exposed to the country’s worsening security climate without any protection.
He demanded that the withdrawal of security personnel must be executed across the board, from the highest political offices to the lowest beneficiaries. He insisted that the policy must spare no one if it is truly aimed at improving national security. Failure to do so would undermine the entire purpose of the directive and suggest political maneuvering.
Uneven implementation cited as major source of displeasure
The senator went on to highlight instances of disparity in the directive’s application, which he claimed demonstrated clear favoritism. He observed that several high-ranking government officials, including ministers, continue to move around with large convoys of security personnel. These observations were made publicly and added significant weight to his argument of unfair treatment.
He also pointed out that business tycoons, specifically naming Chinese and other business concerns, were still enjoying a full complement of police orderlies. Furthermore, the senator claimed to have seen children and other relatives of political office holders enjoying complimentary security covers. The most shocking revelation was his claim of seeing social figures, including singers, retaining police orderlies and protection, while lawmakers were stripped of their minimal security.
Lawmakers demand exemption from the security directive
The core demand from the protesting senators was for the National Assembly to be formally exempted from the presidential order. They argued that essential public officials like themselves should enjoy the same privileges and security cover currently extended to other key political figures. These exempted officials include the President, the Vice President, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, state governors, and their deputies.
Senator Ningi called upon the President of the Senate to immediately task the Chairman of the Committee on Police Affairs with investigating the seemingly selective implementation. He insisted that the NASS should not be made to bear the burden of the policy while other powerful interests continue to enjoy protection. The collective security of the lawmakers, he stressed, is a matter that deserved the utmost seriousness.
Senate leadership promises to intervene with the presidency
In response to the widespread complaints, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, assured his colleagues that the leadership was already taking action. He confirmed that the matter had been extensively deliberated upon by the Senate leadership in a meeting held the previous day, Tuesday. He informed the affected senators that robust efforts were actively being made to convince the Presidency to grant an exemption to members of the NASS.
Senator Barau argued that restoring police orderlies to lawmakers aligns with international parliamentary practice across many nations. He expressed confidence that President Tinubu, whom he described as a “listening President,” would heed their concerns and review the directive. He assured the legislators that by the grace of God, the President would save them from the order, which was initially given in good faith.
Security experts warn against exposing high-value targets
This recent protest echoed similar concerns raised by several senators during an earlier debate on escalating insecurity on November 26. During that debate, Senator Aliyu Wamakko (representing APC, Sokoto North) argued that the withdrawal of police escorts from top government officials was dangerously ill-timed. He stressed that public office holders, including legislators, remain high-value targets for kidnappers, bandits, and criminal gangs operating across the country.
Senator Wamakko stated unequivocally, “Our lives are in danger.” He noted that at a time when criminals are becoming more desperate and attacks are on the rise, withdrawing police protection exposes public officials to avoidable risks. Similarly, Senator Tahir Monguno (representing APC, Borno North) also described the directive as both “dangerous and poorly timed.” The unanimous position of the lawmakers is that security withdrawal will only encourage attacks and worsen the overall security situation for top government functionaries.
