President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said there would be no reversal of his directive withdrawing police officers attached to VIPs, VVIPs and ministers, emphasizing that the order was not negotiable.
Tinubu stated this while speaking at the opening of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House Council Chamber, Abuja.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the president warned ministers and other affected individuals against non-compliance with the directive.
“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” the president said.
He directed the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure strict implementation of the order.
President Tinubu explained that police officers were primarily trained to protect the lives and property of citizens, especially the most vulnerable in society, and not to provide security for a select group of VIPs and VVIPs.
The president said arrangements were being made for the Civil Defence Corps to take over VIP protection duties.
“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he said.
He noted that the police would be better mobilised to confront the country’s security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry and terrorism.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The president added that ministers requiring police protection for special assignments must seek clearance from the Inspector-General of Police, stressing, “NSA, take this very seriously.”
On livestock reforms, Tinubu urged Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the National Economic Council (NEC), to intensify engagement with governors and stakeholders on the implementation of ranching policies.
He also directed the Minister of Livestock Development, Mr Idi Muktar Maiha, to begin the mobilisation process in conflict-prone areas.
“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,” the president said.
Tinubu said communities affected by conflicts must be salvaged, noting that effective implementation of ranching would help reduce clashes between herders and farmers and protect vulnerable citizens.
