"NSA Take This Very Seriously.” No Going Back on Police Withdrawal from VIPs' Tinubu Insists

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has insisted that there is no going back on his directive to withdraw police officers working with Very Important Persons and Ministers is not negotiable.

The President, who has now enjoined all Ministers to ensure immediate compliance, spoke at the opening of the Federal Executive Council meeting in the State House Council Chamber on Wednesday.

“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” the President stated.

He directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Police Affairs, Sen Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egebtokun, to follow up on the implementation of the order.

The President noted that police officers were trained to protect the lives and property of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable in society, and the protection of a select group of VIPs and VVIPs was not their responsibility.

Tinubu said the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will make arrangements for the replacement of police officers with the Civil Defence Corps personnel.

“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he added.

Tinubu assured that the police would be mobilised appropriately to tackle the country’s security challenges.

He said the entire structure will be reviewed to better address vulnerable citizens and communities.

The President said, “We face challenges here and there of Kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. We need all forces utilised. I know some people are exposed; we will make the exceptions. The Civil Defence is very much around."

“NSA take this very seriously," he then said. 

Tinubu also urged Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is the Chairman of the National Economic Council, to further sensitise governors and other stakeholders on the implementation of the reforms on ranching.

He directed the Minister, Idi Muktar Maiha, to commence the mobilisation process, with particular emphasis on areas facing conflict.

Tinubu added, “The Minister of Livestock, see which village or grazing area can be rehabilitated for ranching. We must eliminate this area of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable.

“The opportunity is there, let’s utilise it. You should emphasise the constitutional requirement that the land belongs to the state.”

The President directed that villages and communities facing conflicts must be salvaged, noting that implementing ranching will reduce conflicts between herders and farmers and attacks on the most vulnerable members of society.