Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi has protested the withdrawal of his police orderly during plenary of the Senate, describing the action as unfair and selectively implemented.
Raising a point of order during the session, the Bauchi Central lawmaker said his only police orderly was withdrawn following a recent directive on the removal of police personnel attached to VIPs. While acknowledging that he was not opposed to the directive itself, Ningi said its implementation appeared inconsistent and unjust.
According to him, lawmakers were stripped of their security aides while several other privileged individuals — including ministers, aides of political office holders, business elites, and other well-connected persons — continued to enjoy full police protection.
“A Senator of the Federal Republic had his only orderly withdrawn, yet we still see police officers attached to private individuals who hold no constitutional office,” Ningi said, insisting that the directive must apply uniformly to all affected categories.
His protest drew reactions on the Senate floor, with concerns expressed over the safety of lawmakers, many of whom face security risks due to the nature of their public duties and visibility. The Deputy Senate President, who presided over the session, acknowledged the complaint and said the Senate would officially engage the relevant authorities.
Following the debate, the Senate resolved to mandate its Committee on Police Affairs to investigate the alleged selective enforcement of the directive and report back. Lawmakers also appealed for a reconsideration of the policy as it affects members of the National Assembly, warning that total withdrawal of police orderlies could expose legislators to danger.
The directive, issued by the Federal Government, is aimed at redeploying thousands of police officers previously assigned to VIP protection to core policing and internal security duties across the country. Authorities have argued that the measure will strengthen public safety and curb the misuse of police resources.
However, the Senate’s reaction has reopened debate on the balance between policing reform and the personal security of public office holders. While many Nigerians have welcomed the crackdown on VIP misuse of police personnel, critics of selective enforcement argue that uneven application could undermine public confidence in the reform.
As the Senate committee begins its probe, attention will focus on whether the police authorities will enforce the directive across board or introduce clear guidelines defining who legitimately qualifies for police protection.
Abuja Network News
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