'Our Lives Are in Danger': Senators Explode as Tinubu's Orderly Withdrawal Sparks Fierce Backlash in National Assembly

The National Assembly erupted in tension on Wednesday as lawmakers launched a fierce protest against the alleged selective implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive ordering the withdrawal of police orderlies from Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country.

Leading the charge was Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), who openly accused the police of targeting senators while sparing other categories of VIPs-businessmen, musicians, children of politicians, and ministers-who still paraded convoys heavily guarded by armed personnel.

The presidential directive had mandated the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to recall police escorts attached to VIPs and redeploy them to core policing duties amid rising insecurity nationwide. But lawmakers insist the directive is being implemented with disturbing bias.

Speaking through a Point of Order, an emotional Ningi revealed that his only police orderly was withdrawn in the early hours of Wednesday, leaving him completely exposed-while ministers and business tycoons reportedly moved around with "convoys full of armed escorts.ÔÇØ

Ningi did not mince words.

"Our lives are in danger. Let this withdrawal start from the President's office downwards. Let me not see ministers, governors, business moguls, even singers, surrounded by orderlies while senators are stripped bare. The National Assembly will not be used as scapegoats,ÔÇØ he warned.

His comments triggered murmurs across the chamber, with several lawmakers nodding in agreement as concerns about kidnappings, assassinations and rising violent crimes continue to dominate national headlines.

Ningi further alleged that children of top government officials still move freely with security escorts, questioning why elected representatives-seen by criminals as "high-value targetsÔÇØ-should be left without protection.

The tension prompted an intervention from the presiding officer, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who disclosed that Senate leadership had already raised the matter with the presidency and was pushing for immediate exemption for lawmakers.

Barau insisted that withdrawing police protection from legislators was not in line with global best practices, noting that the chamber expects the President to "listen and act swiftly.ÔÇØ

The latest uproar follows weeks of rising fear among lawmakers who insist the timing of the withdrawal directive is dangerous given the wave of kidnappings, targeted attacks, and violent crimes sweeping across states.

Last month, during a heated debate on insecurity, Senator Aliyu Wamakko (APC, Sokoto North) warned that withdrawing escorts at a time of worsening national security was a "grave mistakeÔÇØ that could cost lives.

He stressed that legislators remain among the most sought-after targets for criminal gangs.

His concerns were echoed by Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), who said removing VIP protection now was like "opening the gates for attackers.ÔÇØ

The controversy has since divided public opinion, with some Nigerians calling the senators' complaints a sign of privilege, while others argue that lawmakers indeed face extraordinary risks due to the sensitive nature of their positions.

As the Senate awaits the President's response, the atmosphere in the National Assembly remains tense, with many lawmakers insisting they will not "sit quietly and wait to be attacked.ÔÇØ