Tinubu Warns Against Non-compliance With Directive On Police Withdrawal From Ministers, Others
By Sunday Etuka
President Bola Tinubu has stated that there was no going back on directive to withdraw police officers from Ministers, Very Important Persons (VIPs) and Very Very Important Personalities (VVIPs) in the country, urging all the ministers to ensure immediate compliance.
Speaking during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in the State House Council Chamber on Wednesday, the President cautioned against flaunting the directive.
He said: “If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance.”
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Police Affairs, Sen Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egebtokun, to follow up on the implementation of the order.
The President was quoted as saying that the police officers were trained to protect the lives and property of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable in society, and the protection of a select group of VIPs and VVIPs was not their responsibility.
According to him, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, would make arrangements for the replacement of police officers by the Civil Defence Corps.
“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he added.
The President noted that the police would be mobilised appropriately to tackle the country’s security challenges.
He said the entire structure will be reviewed to better address vulnerable citizens and communities.
“We face challenges here and there of Kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. We need all forces utilised. I know some people are exposed; we will make the exceptions. The Civil Defence is very much around,” the President stated.
President Tinubu said ministers should meet the Inspector General of Police and get his clearance for special assignments that require police protection.
“NSA take this very seriously,” he added.
The President also urged the Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is the Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), to further sensitise governors and other stakeholders on the implementation of the reforms on ranching.
President Tinubu directed the Minister, Idi Muktar Maiha, to commence the mobilisation process, with particular emphasis on areas facing conflict.
