President Bola Tinubu's directive to withdraw police personnel from Very Important Personalities (VIPs), including federal lawmakers, has ignited a fresh wave of debate, with a political analyst strongly backing the move while criticizing the senators opposing it.
Analyst Condemns Senators' Selfish Outcry
In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng on December 31, 2025, political analyst Omotayo Yusuf condemned the senators calling for a review of the presidential order. Yusuf argued that the politicians, who belong to the privileged "one per cent," are disconnected from the harsh realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.
"I think the Nigerian political class is stoned deaf, is aloof, and frankly unconcerned about what the 99 per cent go through," Yusuf stated. "They read the news, they knew what was happening, but they didn't feel it." He described the senators' opposition as a selfish reaction, highlighting the stark difference between the "noise" of national insecurity and the comfortable "music" of their insulated lives.
The Core Issue: A Corrupted System
Yusuf elaborated that the controversy underscores a deeper systemic problem. He explained that the police force, meant to serve all citizens, has been corrupted to primarily protect the elite. "Frankly, it shouldn't be an order, the police are supposed to serve the interest of all Nigerians," he noted, pointing out that the directive was necessary to correct this imbalance.
The analyst criticized the prevailing mindset among elected officials, stating, "It is a reflection of what is wrong with our political system, where those who have been elected to serve, in reality, feel they have been elected to rule." This sense of entitlement, according to Yusuf, allows them to claim the best benefits, including disproportionate security coverage, while millions remain unprotected.
Senate Leadership Relays Lawmakers' Concerns
The senators' discontent was formally communicated to President Tinubu by Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday, December 18, during the president's 2026 budget presentation at the National Assembly. This move confirmed the depth of unease within the legislative body regarding the security withdrawal.
Meanwhile, in a related political development, Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has clarified rumours about a potential defection. She disclosed receiving calls and invites from the presidency and fellow senators to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained she has no reason to leave the PDP, where she has peace.
The analyst's strong support for President Tinubu's policy highlights the growing public sentiment against the VIP security culture, framing it as a crucial test for equitable governance and security sector reform in Nigeria.
