‘Some Lawmakers May Not Go Home Today’ — Akpabio Tells President Tinubu

Akpabio Appeals to Tinubu Over Police Withdrawal, Warns of Lawmakers’ Safety Risks

Akpabio urges President Tinubu to reconsider police withdrawal from lawmakers, warning the move could endanger National Assembly members.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the recent directive withdrawing police orderlies from members of the National Assembly, warning that the decision could expose lawmakers to serious security risks.

Akpabio raised the concern on Friday during the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja. Addressing the President directly, the Senate President conveyed the fears of several lawmakers who believe the sudden withdrawal of police protection could jeopardize their personal safety.

According to Akpabio, some legislators expressed concern that they might not be able to return home safely following the directive. He urged the President to reconsider the policy in light of prevailing security challenges across the country.

“As security agencies are instructed to withdraw policemen from certain critical duties, members of the National Assembly have asked that I inform Mr President that some of them may not be able to go home today,” Akpabio stated, appealing for a review of the decision.

The directive in question was issued by President Tinubu on November 23, mandating the redeployment of police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) to frontline policing duties nationwide. The move is aimed at strengthening security operations, particularly in communities facing heightened insecurity.

Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the order followed a high-level security meeting involving service chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS). The meeting reportedly addressed growing security concerns across various parts of the country.

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Under the new arrangement, VIPs requiring security coverage are advised to seek protection from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as the Federal Government prioritizes increased police presence in underserved and vulnerable areas.