VIP Escort Controversy: Senate Breaks Silence, Says ‘We’re Not Asking For Special Security

The Senate has refuted claims that it is seeking special or collective security coverage for its members, insisting that no such proposal has been discussed or approved.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking with Saturday Punch, the Senate’s spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, said the Red Chamber has never considered arranging group security for lawmakers.

He explained that senators, like other public officials, are free to make individual security arrangements in line with existing national security guidelines.

“At no time will the Senate convene to request special security arrangements for its members,” Adaramodu stated.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency already provides a clear framework for any official, including legislators, to access personal protection when necessary.

“What we understand is that, following the President’s declaration of a security emergency, all security agencies, particularly the police, are required to strengthen their capacity to address prevailing challenges, and we fully support the President in this,” he said.

Adaramodu added that the President had directed that individuals in need of protection should formally approach the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

He noted that the situation is consistent with past practice, stressing that even in previous assemblies, lawmakers handled their security needs individually without any Senate-wide intervention.

“In the past, when former senators required security, the Senate never sat to request protection on their behalf,” he said.

He further called on senators to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies are scaling up efforts to tackle insecurity, including plans to recruit about 50,000 additional police officers nationwide.