Senate President Godswill Akpabio has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to review the recent order mandating the removal of police personnel assigned to members of the National Assembly.
The directive, issued on November 23, called for the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to very important persons (VIPs) nationwide. Three days later, on November 26, several federal lawmakers raised alarm, warning that the decision had heightened their exposure to security threats.
Speaking at a joint session of the National Assembly on Friday during the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, Akpabio conveyed the concerns of legislators, noting that the withdrawal of security details could endanger some members and hinder their ability to return safely to their constituencies.
“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.”
In his earlier remarks, Akpabio formally received President Tinubu at the joint session, characterising the National Assembly as the foundation of the president’s career in public service.
He also extended a warm welcome to Vice President Kashim Shettima and members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in attendance.
The Senate President stressed that meaningful national development depends on a strong working relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government, rejecting suggestions that such cooperation undermines legislative independence. According to him, the budgeting process gains purpose and effectiveness when it is built on constitutionally grounded collaboration rather than institutional rivalry.
Akpabio further described the 2026 Appropriation Bill as both a declaration of intent and a strategic blueprint guiding Nigeria into its next chapter 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.
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“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.
