President Bola Tinubu has said the directive to redeploy police officers attached to VIPs, VVIPs and ministers is not negotiable, warning all members of the Federal Executive Council to ensure immediate compliance. The President gave the directive while speaking at the opening of the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House Council Chamber, where he cautioned against any form of disobedience.
“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” Tinubu said. He subsequently directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egebtokun, to closely monitor and enforce the implementation of the order.
The President explained that police officers are primarily trained to protect the lives and property of citizens, especially the most vulnerable, stressing that the protection of a select group of VIPs and VVIPs should not be their core responsibility. He added that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, would make arrangements for the replacement of the affected police officers with personnel of the Civil Defence Corps. “The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he said.
Tinubu further noted that the police would be redeployed strategically to confront the nation’s security challenges, adding that the entire security structure would be reviewed to better safeguard 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, adding, “NSA take this very seriously.”
The President also urged Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the National Economic Council, to intensify efforts at sensitising governors and other stakeholders on the implementation of ranching reforms. He directed the Minister of Livestock, Idi Muktar Maiha, to commence mobilisation with emphasis on 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,” he said, stressing that “the opportunity is there, let’s utilise it,” while also emphasising the constitutional provision that land belongs to the states.
Tinubu added that villages and communities affected by conflicts must be salvaged and expressed confidence that proper implementation of ranching would reduce clashes between herders and farmers, as well as attacks on vulnerable members of society.
#withdrawal #police #VIPs
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