Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has cast doubt on Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police personnel from VIPs, saying the policy is unlikely to move beyond public statements.
Tinubu had ordered the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIP escorts across the country. He asked that they be redeployed to core policing duties.
The directive was contained in a statement released on Sunday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, after a security meeting in Abuja with heads of the police, air force, army and the State Security Service.
Under the new arrangement, VIPs who still require armed protection are expected to seek such services from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Reacting on his X account, the former lawmaker said the move is a good idea considering the country’s growing security problems. He added that he doubts it will be implemented.
“Withdrawal of police from VIPs is a good idea and good policy statement in view of the nation’s urgent security needs, but it will only begin and end up as a statement,” Mr Sani said.
He noted that similar directives by past administrations never took effect due to resistance within the police and political circles who rely on escorts for influence and protection.
