Senator Ningi Decries ‘Selective’ VIP Security Withdrawal
The Senator representing Bauchi Central in the Senate, Abdul Ningi, has decried the selective withdrawal of police orderlies from Very Important Personalities (VIPs) as earlier directed by the presidency.
Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, Senator Ningi said while his only police orderly had been withdrawn, many ministers, governors, business executives and private individuals continued to enjoy full security details.
According to Ningi, "It should be done across board. Lets' see what happens from the office of the President, to the Vice President, to the Senate President, to the Speaker of the House, to the ministers.
"I saw two convoys of ministers moving with lots of security personnel recently.
“I have also seen business concerns about Chinese and other companies moving around with their complement of orderlies.
“I have seen daughters and sons of political office holders with orderlies and security cover. I have seen singers moving with escorts. I cannot imagine that a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who has been here for a very long time, has only one orderly, and he is withdrawn, and nothing will happen.”
The lawmaker noted that while he “had no problem” with the policy itself, its selective enforcement was unacceptable.
“But let it be done across the board. I can take care of myself.
“Let me not see governors, ministers, and business concerns being covered by the security establishment. This is unheard of in any democracy. It concerns me, and it should be taken with all seriousness", he added.
He described the situation as unfair and unacceptable for senators to be deprived of security cover while others including political appointees and business elite continue to have armed security details; calling for immediate corrective action.
Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, while presiding over the plenary, assured lawmakers that the matter was being addressed.
“We are on top of the situation, and we will ensure that the directive of Mr President is enforced,” Barau said.
He disclosed that the Senate was fully aware of the issue and has instructed the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs to conduct a thorough investigation and report back as soon as possible.
