Senators Protest Uneven Enforcement of Police Escort Withdrawal

 

There was uproar in the Senate on Wednesday following allegations of selective enforcement of the Federal Government’s directive ordering the withdrawal of police escorts from VIPs.

Tension rose during plenary when Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) raised concerns that, while some lawmakers and political figures have had their police orderlies withdrawn, others—especially top-ranking officials—continue to enjoy full security details.

Ningi, speaking under a point of order, lamented that his only police orderly had been withdrawn, yet convoys of ministers, business executives, and even children of political office holders still move about with heavy security.

He described the situation as discriminatory and contrary to the principles of fairness and equity.

According to him, “This directive should be applied across the board—from the President, the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker, to ministers. I saw two ministerial convoys with full security teams. I have also seen business operators, Chinese nationals, and even entertainers moving with armed escorts.

“It is unimaginable that a senator of the Federal Republic, with many years in service, would have his only orderly withdrawn while others are still protected. This is unfair, and it is not done in any functional democracy.”

Ningi insisted he could protect himself but maintained that the law must apply equally to all.

He further warned: “Let me not see governors, ministers, and business concerns enjoying full security cover while senators are being stripped of protection.”

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, assured lawmakers that the chamber had taken up the matter. He directed the Senate Committee on Police Affairs to investigate the allegations and report back.

“We are on top of the situation. The directive must be implemented in line with the President’s instructions,” Barau stated.

Patriotic Insights News had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu issued the directive weeks ago, shortly after the Inspector-General of Police gave similar orders to streamline police deployment to VIPs. However, varying levels of compliance have raised questions among legislators.

Several senators echoed Ningi’s concerns, warning that uneven enforcement could expose lawmakers to security risks while privileging a select few.

They urged the government to ensure a uniform application of the directive to restore fairness and accountability in the allocation of police protection.