A man has sparked mixed reactions on social media after claiming that some police officers attached to VIPs now wear suits while escorting, insisting that the action undermines President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
President Bola Tinubu had recently ordered the withdrawal of police personnel from VIPs. The move drew praise from many Nigerians, though some people expressed concerns about its implementation.
VIPs Allegedly Bypassing New Security Rule
A few days after the President’s directive, the Nigerian Police announced the withdrawal of officers attached to VIPs.
However, an X (formerly Twitter) user, identified as Ayekooto, alleged that some VIPs have refused to release the officers. He claimed that these officers now dress in suits to avoid public scrutiny.
Ayekooto wrote: “A new method used by some police officers attached to VIPs in order to bypass public scrutiny following Mr President’s directive is that they now accompany their VIPs wearing suits instead of their police uniform.
“The IG should look into this new observation. No officer or VIP should be allowed to undermine the CinC.”
Nigerians React Strongly Online
... triggered different reactions from Nigerians who shared their views.
Ademola Alaniyi wrote: “The so called Police officers lives in the BQ at least of big man’s house, eat free food, drinks etc, charge phone 24/7 cos rich man’s house is powered always, also obo ofe ninu ile pelu awon house help or omoge adugbo 😆, most importantly, money! And u want them to leave? Nahhĥ 😆”
Odunayo said: “Not until a couple of them are made to face requisite disciplinary measure for disobeying both the President and the IG, they’ll continue to float the order with impunity.”
Akinnagbe wrote: “The thing is we lack data. Does IG self know how many police attached to vips escort an how many dey station That’s what feels like the order is not working.”
Solace2mins wrote: “Can’t the IG of Police withdraw his men? If he can’t call his men to order then he isn’t fit to lead the Force. What sort of toothless leader is that? Now I understand why they can’t do anything about Police brutality. It took Nigerians to protest before SARS was dismantled.”
Kolawole Kihinde said: “Why are these VIPs hellbent on doing the wrong things? Why are these law enforcement agents so unruly?”