Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) on Wednesday protested what he described as selective enforcement of the Federal Government’s new police redeployment directive, questioning why top government officials and influential Nigerians continue to enjoy police protection while lawmakers face reductions in security.
Speaking on the Senate floor, Ningi highlighted that his sole police orderly had been withdrawn following the directive issued by the Presidency and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), a move aimed at redeploying officers to core national security duties. He contended, however, that the policy is being applied unevenly.
“From the office of the President to the Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, ministers, governors, and business elites, police escorts continue to move around. Yet, a senator has his only orderly withdrawn. This is selective enforcement and unfair,” Ningi told colleagues.
The lawmaker said the directive, intended to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force amid overstretched manpower and rising insecurity, appears to be selectively implemented, raising questions about accountability at the highest levels of government.
Ningi urged the Senate leadership to task the Committee on Police Affairs with investigating the apparent bias in enforcement, stressing that legislators regularly face public exposure and threats linked to their official duties.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, presiding over the session, acknowledged the concerns, noting that the matter had been discussed at a Senate leadership meeting. He directed the Committee on Police Affairs to examine the issue and report back, assuring senators that the directive was not intended to deprive lawmakers unfairly.
“The leadership takes this issue seriously. Steps will be taken to ensure that all enforcement aligns with fairness and international best practice,” Barau said, adding that President Tinubu’s security policy is designed to strengthen internal security, not target legislators.
The controversy underscores a growing public debate over the routine deployment of police officers for private security duties, a practice critics argue undermines broader national safety.
