Withdrawal of Police from VIPs not negotiable – Tinubu

Nigeria President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday in Abuja, has said the directive to redeploy police officers working with VIPs, VVIPs and Ministers was not negotiable, admonishing all ministers to ensure immediate compliance.

Tinubu, who disclosed this at the opening of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in the State House Council Chamber, warned against non- compliance.

He said, If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance.

The President directed the National Security Adviser, 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.

In a statement released by his aide, Tinubu 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 said the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will 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.

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.

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.

While noted that implementing ranching will reduce conflicts between herders and farmers and attacks on the most vulnerable members of society.