Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has reacted to Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s call on President Bola Tinubu to review the withdrawal of police escorts assigned to lawmakers, saying her faith and the support of her constituents remain her true source of security.
Akpoti-Uduaghan made the comment in a Facebook post on Sunday, in what appeared to be a veiled response to Akpabio’s comments during Friday’s joint session of the National Assembly, where President Tinubu introduced the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
Citing the Senate president’s request, he wrote: “Some senators will not be able to return home this holiday; review your security policy.”
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In response, the outspoken lawmaker said: “When did you withdraw my security amid the illegal suspension of nko? Allah Almighty, through my beloved Kogi Central people, is my security. Conquer that love.”
Recall that Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended from the Senate for six months, with her privileges withdrawn, for alleged misconduct on the Senate floor.
TRIBUNE ONLINE reports that Akpabio, during the plenary session, expressed concern that some lawmakers could face security risks following President Tinubu’s directive ordering the withdrawal of police escorts from Very Important Persons (VIPs).
In November, Tinubu ordered that police officers seconded to politicians, business leaders and other VIPs be reassigned to perform basic policing duties across the country, as part of efforts to address insecurity and personnel shortages within the Nigeria Police Force.
Akpabio, however, warned that the policy could leave some lawmakers vulnerable, especially during the holiday season.
“While you order security agencies to withdraw police officers from critical areas, some members of the National Assembly said you should let them know that they may not be able to return home today because they could be detained,” he said, appealing for a review of the decision.
The issue has also provoked reactions from other legislators. Senator Abdul Ningi had earlier complained that his police ordinance had been withdrawn while some prominent people elsewhere continued to enjoy security protection, urging the Federal Government to apply the policy uniformly in the interest of justice and equity.