Akpabio Challenges Tinubu Over Police Withdrawal, Lawmakers Fear Festive Travel
Chukwu Obinna 
Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Akpabio
ABUJA, Nigeria – Senate President Godswill Akpabio publicly urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider the withdrawal of police escorts from public officials, warning that federal lawmakers fear for their safety and may be unable to return home for the festive period.
Akpabio raises the alarm on Friday during the presentation of the ₦58.18 trillion 2026 budget at a joint session of the National Assembly, turning the ceremony into a rare confrontation over security policy.
“As we direct security agencies to withdraw policemen from critical areas, some National Assembly members say they may not be able to go home because they may be picked up,” Akpabio tells the President. “On that note, we plead with Mr President for a review of the decision.”
The warning follows Tinubu’s November 23 directive ordering the Inspector-General of Police to redeploy officers from VIP protection duties to frontline community policing, amid worsening insecurity nationwide.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga says the move follows a high-level security meeting involving service chiefs and the Department of State Services. Under the new arrangement, affected individuals must seek protection from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun confirms that 11,566 officers have been withdrawn nationwide, with reports of disciplinary action against those providing unauthorised escort services.
Despite Tinubu’s assurance that no one will be left exposed, lawmakers remain unconvinced, especially those representing volatile constituencies. One senator describes the situation as “genuinely frightening.”
While praising Tinubu’s economic reforms, Akpabio insists that legislator safety must not be compromised, signalling a deepening executive-legislative standoff.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Koko Maxwella 