Tinubu’s Order Sparks Controversy: APC Vice Chair Denies Losing Police Protection

The South-East Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, has raised concerns over the recent directive to withdraw police protection from VIPs, cautioning that the move could worsen insecurity in the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking in an interview with The Punch on Thursday, Arodiogbu clarified that his own security detail had not been affected. However, he warned that stripping political figures and other high-profile individuals of police escorts could expose them to heightened threats.

“My security aides were not withdrawn,” he confirmed during a phone conversation.

He noted that lawmakers in both chambers of the National Assembly had also opposed the directive, arguing that removing security from VIPs could escalate safety risks.

“VIPs, especially politicians, are prime targets. That’s why they are classified as Very Important Personalities. I doubt the IGP will fully implement the policy,” he said.

While commending President Bola Tinubu for recent reforms, Arodiogbu supported the idea of prioritising essential personalities for security protection. He argued that not everyone should automatically qualify for police escorts.

“I support giving priority to key individuals. Prioritisation is essential. We cannot have traders moving around with 10 police officers simply because they can afford it,” he stated.

Arodiogbu thanked President Tinubu for directing increased recruitment into the police and armed forces, describing it as a crucial step toward addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

“It’s a necessary move to strengthen the police and the military,” he said.

He concluded by urging that security escorts be allocated strictly to those who genuinely face risks, rather than individuals who do not require such extensive protection.

“Priority should be for those truly at risk—not traders driving around with 10 police details,” he added.