Akpabio Publicly Appeals to President Tinubu to Reconsider Police Withdrawal, Says “Lawmakers May Be Unable to Go Home”
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that the amid the ongoing insecurity, kidnaping, and killings in the country, the senate President, Godswill Akpabio has publicly appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the recent directive withdrawing police escorts for Very Important Persons (VIPs), including federal lawmakers, citing serious security concerns that could prevent them from traveling to their constituencies.
OTN News further reports as gathered that the plea came during Akpabio’s welcome address at a joint session of the National Assembly, where President Tinubu presented the proposed ₦58.47 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill.
According to him, as we direct the security agencies to withdraw policemen from critical areas, some members of the National Assembly said I should inform you that they may not be able to go home today. On that note, we plead with Mr. President to review the decision.
OTN News observes that the Senate president emphasized on the dangers lawmakers could face while visiting their constituencies amid rising insecurity, warning that the withdrawal of police protection could hinder their ability to perform their duties effectively.
OTN News had earlier reported that the presidential order, issued in late November 2025 under a declared nationwide security emergency, seeks to redeploy thousands of police officers from VIP protection to frontline operations against banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism.
This followed audits revealing over 11,000 officers assigned to VIP duties and is accompanied by plans to recruit up to 50,000 new police personnel.
Tinubu, however, reaffirmed the policy, insisting there would be “no going back,” mandating personal clearance for any exceptions, and directing replacements with Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel where necessary.
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