A fresh dispute erupted on Wednesday between the Senate and the Presidency as lawmakers accused security authorities of selectively enforcing President Bola Tinubu’s directive withdrawing police orderlies from Very Important Persons (VIPs). The senators protested that while their own orderlies had been withdrawn without warning, several top government officials, business figures, and even relatives of …
Senators, Tinubu Battle Over Police Withdrawal from VIPs
A fresh dispute erupted on Wednesday between the Senate and the Presidency as lawmakers accused security authorities of selectively enforcing President Bola Tinubu’s directive withdrawing police orderlies from Very Important Persons (VIPs).
The senators protested that while their own orderlies had been withdrawn without warning, several top government officials, business figures, and even relatives of political office holders still enjoyed full police protection.
The complaints dominated plenary shortly after President Tinubu reaffirmed a nationwide directive for the withdrawal of all police personnel attached to VIPs.
Raising the issue through a point of order, Senator Abdul Ningi told his colleagues that his only police orderly was removed in the early hours of Wednesday, even though many high-profile individuals around the country continued to retain theirs.
Ningi argued that the directive was being applied unfairly, pointing to convoys of ministers, business executives, foreign workers, entertainers, and children of political office holders who still moved with heavy police escorts.
He said: “It should be done across the board. Let’s see what happens from the office of the President down to the Vice President, the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, ministers and others.”
The senator added that the National Assembly must not be turned into a scapegoat, noting that lawmakers with legitimate security concerns were suddenly left exposed while others remained untouched.
‘National Assembly Should Not Be the Scapegoat’
Ningi called on the Senate leadership to mandate its Committee on Police Affairs to investigate the uneven enforcement. He insisted that if the policy were to stand, it must apply “to everyone without exception.”
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over plenary, confirmed that the leadership had already discussed the issue and was engaging the Presidency for an exception as well as to restore police protection for lawmakers.
He assured senators that the matter was taken seriously.
Jibrin said: “We have a listening President. By the grace of God, he will save us from that order which was given in good faith.”
Tinubu Insists on Total Withdrawal of Police from VIPs
Meanwhile, President Tinubu, while addressing the Federal Executive Council, directed full enforcement of his earlier order withdrawing all police personnel attached to VIPs nationwide.
He instructed the Minister of Interior, the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to immediately deploy replacements for officers currently on special duties to avoid exposing the public to security risks.
The President stressed that in the face of escalating kidnapping, terrorism and violent crime, officers must be moved back to core policing duties.
READ ALSO: Senators Protest Selective Withdrawal of Police Orderlies, Seek Exemption
He told the council: “It should be effected. We face kidnapping and terrorism; we need all the forces we can utilise. Anyone who needs police protection must get clearance from the IGP, who will, in turn, get my approval.”
Tinubu also directed the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services to review security structures and ensure that forest guards are armed as part of rural security reforms.
Livestock Reform and Security Link
The President further instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to work with state governments through the National Economic Council to identify grazing reserves that can be rehabilitated into ranches or livestock settlements.
He said resolving the herder-farmer conflict remained a key security priority.
Tinubu emphasised: “Whichever reserves states can salvage should be converted to livestock villages. Let us stop these conflict zones and turn them into economic opportunities.”
Growing Tension as Both Sides Hold Ground
The dispute over police withdrawal now places the National Assembly and the Presidency on opposing sides, with senators warning against selective implementation while Tinubu insists that no exceptions will be made without his approval.
As Nigerian Police continue to withdraw its officers from VIPs, it remains unclear whether lawmakers will be exempted or whether the policy will be expanded to ministers, governors, business executives and political families, the very groups the senators argue still enjoy preferential treatment.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
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