10
Dec
Dec
SENATE SEEKS EXEMPTION FROM POLICE ESCORT WITHDRAWAL, ORDERS PROBE INTO FLOUTED DIRECTIVE
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CapitalTimesNews / 2 months
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- 2 min read
The Nigerian Senate has expressed serious concerns that the withdrawal of Police orderlies attached to senators could expose members to unnecessary danger. The Senate leadership has moved to seek an exemption for lawmakers from a recent Presidential directive ordering the recall of all Police officers attached to Very Important Persons across the country. Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, disclosed that the leadership held an emergency meeting on Tuesday regarding the issue, expressing hope for positive feedback as it seeks to secure exemption for senators. This push follows a Point of Order raised by Senator Abdul Ningi of the Peoples Democratic Party representing Bauchi Central, who lamented the withdrawal of his lone police orderly in compliance with the directive. President Bola Tinubu had issued the stern directive on the 23rd of November, calling for the withdrawal of Police officers from VIPs to free up personnel for tackling Nigeria’s internal security challenges. An estimated 11,000 police officers are currently engaged in such assignments nationwide. Senator Ningi stated, “While I have no issues with the withdrawal, I expressed disappointment at the manner the directive of the President is being flouted.” He called for strict compliance starting from the Presidency, the Office of the Vice President, and Federal Ministers. The Senator revealed, “While my own police orderly has been withdrawn, I continue to see some businessmen including Chinese citizens and celebrity singers being escorted by contingents of police officers in brazen disregard to the directive of the President.” Based on these revelations, the Senate has mandated its Committee on Police Affairs to immediately conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged disregard of the President’s directive. The Committee has been given four weeks to complete the assignment and revert to the Senate in plenary.