Senator Ningi Raises Concerns Over Selective Enforcement of VIP Security Withdrawal
Abdul Ningi, the senator representing Bauchi Central, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police escorts from Very Important Persons (VIPs) across Nigeria, describing its implementation as inconsistent and selective.
Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, Ningi noted that while his sole police orderly had been withdrawn, many ministers, governors, business executives, and private individuals continued to enjoy full security coverage.
“It should be applied across the board. Let’s see how it affects everyone—from the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, to ministers,” he said.
The senator recounted witnessing multiple ministerial convoys accompanied by numerous security personnel. He also highlighted business executives, foreign company officials, and even children of political office holders traveling with armed escorts.
“I have seen singers and prominent individuals moving with security details. Yet, a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who has served for a long time, has only one orderly, and even that has been withdrawn,” Ningi said.
While clarifying that he had no objection to the policy itself, Ningi insisted that selective enforcement was unacceptable. “I can take care of myself, but I cannot accept that governors, ministers, and business elites continue to enjoy protection while senators are left exposed. This is unheard of in any democracy and must be addressed seriously,” he added.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, assured lawmakers that the issue was being handled.
“We are fully aware of the situation and will ensure that the President’s directive is properly enforced,” Jibrin said. He added that the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs has been tasked with conducting a detailed investigation and reporting back to the chamber promptly.
