- Safiu Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of all Police escorts attached to his Ministers.
Tinubu gave the order during his address at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Wednesday.
In what was considered an extension of his directive on the withdrawal of police officers from VIP escort duties, the President reaffirmed his stance on the directive which, beyond private individuals, has now been extended to members of his cabinet.
Tinubu told the ministers to get his clearance after contacting the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, before securing the service of the police officers in cases where they are going for crucial assignments that requires police presence.
He directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and the Minister of Police Affairs, Sen Ibrahim Gaidam, to follow up on the implementation of the order alongside the IGP.
The President noted that 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.
He charged the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to liaise with the IGP and Civil Defense for the replacement of the withdrawn officers.
“On the withdrawal of police officers from VIP, I honestly believe in what I said and I call on the IG.
“If you have any problem of security because of the nature of your assignment, please contact the IGP and get my clearance. The Minister for Interior should liaise with IGP and the Civil Defense structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties so that you don’t leave people exposed.” He said.
While acknowledge the safety concern of the Ministers, Tinubu assured that officials Civil Defense are equally armed and can fill the void left by the withdrawal of the police escorts which he considered a necessary decision amid the rise of insecurity in the country.
Tinubu said the Minister of Interior will make arrangements for the replacement of police officers by the Civil Defence Corps.
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 of kidnapping and terrorism here and there. We need all the forces that we can utilise. I know some of our people are exposed. I understand that we have to make exceptional provision for them.
“The Civil Defence are equally armed, and I want to know that the NSA will arm our forest guards too.” Tinubu added.
The President, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, 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.
He directed the Minister, Idi Muktar Maiha, to commence the mobilisation process, with particular emphasis on areas facing conflict.
“The Minister of Livestock, see which village or grazing area can be rehabilitated for ranching. We must eliminate this area of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable.
“The opportunity is there, let’s utilise it. You should emphasise the constitutional requirement that the land belongs to the state,” he added.
The President said villages and communities facing conflicts must be salvaged.
He noted that implementing ranching will reduce conflicts between herders and farmers and attacks on the most vulnerable members of society.