By Anwar Usman
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday said the directive to redeploy police officers working with VIPs, VVIPs and ministers was not negotiable urging all ministers to ensure immediate compliance.
This was revealed in a statement issued by the Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.The president while speaking at the opening of the Federal Executive in Abuja warned all relevant stakeholders against non-compliance.
He noted that, “Police officers were trained to protect the lives and properties of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable in society not the protection of VIPs” adding that, the NCDC are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too.
He also ordered the minister of interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for the immediate replacement of police officers by the civil defense corps.
“We face security challenges of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. We need all forces utilized. I know some people are exposed; we will make exceptions. The Civil defense is very much around,” the president stated.
Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam and the Inspector General of Police to follow up on the implementation of the order.
The President also urged the Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is the chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC) to further sensitise governors and other stakeholders on the implementation of the reforms on ranching.