By Dayo Johnson Akure

Pastor Akinrinlola Olumide, a Canada-based journalist and Publisher of Starnews NG Online Newspaper, has expressed serious concerns regarding President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive for the withdrawal of police officers attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) across Nigeria.

Recall that the President’s order, aimed at redeploying these officers to core policing duties, was in response to the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation.

This directive was disclosed following a security meeting held by President Tinubu in Abuja with service chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services.

In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, it was revealed that VIPs in need of protection will now be assigned armed operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) instead of police personnel.

“Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult,” the presidential statement noted.

However, in his response, Akinrinlola highlighted the urgent need for a re-evaluation of how security resources are allocated in Nigeria.

He said that “I hope they adhere to this directive from the President, as it has been a common refrain for every successive Inspector-General of Police to issue similar instructions to Police Commissioners upon their appointment.

” However, as soon as they receive bank alerts, these directives often go unheeded.”

“If I were the President, I would suggest that all VIPs apply for armed private security guards from reputable private security companies, as many of them can certainly afford it.

” How can we explain this? Nigeria has just over 300,000 police personnel, with more than 100,000 assigned to VIPs, leaving only around 200,000 to serve a population of over 200 million.

“This is amid rising insecurity, which includes kidnapping, ritual killings, banditry, and terrorism.

” Does this make any sense?” he stated, while expressing skepticism about the implementation of the directive.

He also added that the Civil Defence Corps should play a crucial role in supporting the ongoing battle against insecurity in Nigeria.

The publisher, further commented on the implications of this decision, stating, “With President Bola Tinubu now showing interest, it will be interesting to see if this directive will be implemented effectively.

“It is commendable that he has encouraged VIPs in need of protection to approach the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps instead of relying solely on police personnel.”

Akinrinlola who believed that the current allocation of police resources is both impractical and unjust, argued that the focus should be on enhancing the security of the general populace rather than disproportionately catering to the needs of a select few.

“In my opinion, the current allocation of police resources is both impractical and unjust. The focus should be on enhancing the security of the general populace rather than disproportionately catering to the needs of a select few.

According to him ” It is essential to reassess how security resources are distributed to ensure that the safety of all citizens is prioritised.