It is now an established fact that the federal government has withdrawn the Mobile Police (MOPOL) Force personnel attached to several Very Important Persons (VIPs), including ex-governors, ministers, and lawmakers.
The directive was in keeping with the recent vow of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to withdraw Police Mobile Force personnel from VIP escort and guard duties.
Politics Nigeria has compiled a comprehensive list of VIPs affected by the new order; it is as follows:
- Daura Buhari (Muhammadu Buhari’s brother)
- Former President Muhammadu Buhari
- First Lady, Aisha Buhari’s siblings
- Ex-SGF Boss Mustapha
- Ikedi Ohakim (Imo ex-governor)
- Rochas Okorocha (Imo ex-governor)
- Adamu Muazu (Bauchi ex-governor)
- Danjuma Goje (Gombe ex-governor)
- Gbenga Daniel (Ogun ex-governor)
- Bello Matawalle (Zamfara ex-governor)
- Maigari Dingyadi (ex-minister of Police Affairs Commission)
- Timipreye Sylva (ex-minister of State for Petroleum)
- Gbemisola Saraki (ex-minister of State for Mines and Steel)
- Henry Ikoh (ex-minister (ex-minister of State for Science, Technology and Innovation)
- Clem Agba (ex-minister of State for Budget and National Planning)
- Goddy Agba (ex-minister of State for Power)
- Iyorchia Ayu (PDP’s national chairman)
It was also gathered that the orderlies working with the former Chairman Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Haliru Dauda; former Chairman House Committee on Police Affairs, Rabiu Lawan, and Senator Stephen Adey, were equally withdrawn.
Reacting to the news, the media aide to Senator Gbenga Daniel, Steve Oliyide, stated:
“It is actually within the precinct and powers of the IGP to determine the security architecture for the country and Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel will support any and every initiative towards strengthening the country’s security system, notwithstanding any temporary discomfort to his personal safety.’’
“Once there are composite security arrangements for the entire country, it also suggests that VIPs too will also be secured, and Senator Daniel has implicit confidence in the capacity of the IGP to provide and make adequate security for all in the circumstance. Where and when the need arises, I am sure he will arrange complimentary security supports.”
