Former senator, Shehu Sani, has responded to President Bola Tinubu’s order to remove police officers assigned to Very Important Persons (VIPs), calling the action commendable yet potentially ineffective.
In a post on X this Sunday, Sani remarked that the policy is suitable given the nation’s urgent security issues, but he voiced doubts about its execution, cautioning that it might “start and finish as just a statement.”
He stated: “The withdrawal of police from VIPs is a positive initiative and a sound policy statement considering the country’s pressing security demands, but it risks merely starting and concluding as a statement.”
Naijtatiral reports that President Tinubu directed on Sunday that police officers currently assigned to VIPs be withdrawn and reassigned to enhance security across the country.
Tinubu commands the withdrawal of police officers linked to VIPs
As per a statement from his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, this directive is intended to ensure that police personnel concentrate on essential policing responsibilities.
Under the revised plan, VIPs in need of protection will now have to seek armed security from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Tinubu, who has also sanctioned the hiring of 30,000 more police officers, expressed his aim to increase police visibility, especially in remote regions where a lack of personnel has hindered the safety of residents.”