Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged President Bola
Tinubu to reconsider the directive ordering the withdrawal of police officers
attached to federal lawmakers.
On November 23, President Tinubu ordered the immediate
withdrawal of police officers guarding very important personalities (VIPs)
across the country.
On November 26, some federal lawmakers said the president’s
directive exposed them to security risks.
At the joint sitting of the national assembly during the
presentation of the 2026 appropriation bill on Friday, Akpabio said lawmakers
had expressed concern that the directive could prevent some members from
returning home safely.
“As we direct the security agencies to withdraw policemen
from critical areas, some members have asked me to inform you that they may not
be able to go home today because of this change,” Akpabio said.
“We plead with you, Mr President, for a review of the
decision.”
Earlier in his address, Akpabio welcomed Tinubu to the joint
sitting, describing the national assembly as the cradle of the president’s
public service journey.
He also welcomed Vice-President Kashim Shettima and members
of the federal executive council (FEC) to the chamber.
The senate president noted that collaboration between the
executive and the legislature is essential for national progress, dismissing
claims that such cooperation amounted to legislative compromise.
He said budgeting derives meaning and momentum when anchored
on a constitutional partnership rather than rivalry between institutions.
He described the 2026 appropriation bill as a statement of
intent and a roadmap for Nigeria’s next phase of national renewal.
“Over the past year, our country has navigated a period of
significant transition in the midst of challenges,” Akpabio said.
“Families have felt the strain of rising costs. Businesses
have adjusted to a changing economic environment.
“Young Nigerians have asked hard and legitimate questions
about opportunity, fairness, and their place in the nation’s future. Insecurity
has tested our collective resolve and reminded us that peace is not a gift we
inherit but a responsibility we must constantly defend.
“Yet history teaches us something enduring: Nigeria does not
retreat in the face of difficulty—we confront it.
“We confront it with resilience forged in adversity, with
faith in our shared destiny, and with an unyielding belief that tomorrow can be
better than today.
“From one generation to the next, this nation has survived
storms not by surrendering to despair, but by standing together, reforming what
must be reformed, and renewing our commitment to justice, inclusivity, and
progress.”
He said the 2025 budget required difficult but necessary
reforms that prioritised long-term national interest over short-term comfort.
The senate president said the 10th senate had recorded one
of the highest legislative outputs in Nigeria’s history.
He said the senate passed landmark bills on security,
economic reform, governance, judicial administration, electoral integrity,
infrastructure and social protection.
Akpabio said the laws strengthened the legal framework for
combating insecurity, improved public finance management and enhanced access to
justice.
He said the national assembly remained committed to
strengthening legal and budgetary support for security agencies.
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