Tinubu’s Withdrawal of VIP Escorts Is a Plot To Silence Opposition

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A fresh political debate has emerged following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision directing security agencies to withdraw police escorts attached to several Very Important Persons (VIPs) across the country. The move has drawn criticism from prominent voices, including publisher and political commentator Dele Momodu, who believes the directive may have deeper political motives beyond security restructuring.

During an appearance on Arise News, Momodu questioned the reasoning behind the policy. He argued that many Nigerians may be interpreting the decision as a straightforward reform, while overlooking what he considers possible political implications hidden behind the policy.

According to him, the directive could create unnecessary hostility between ordinary citizens and influential Nigerians. Momodu suggested that such a strategy might indirectly weaken political rivals by removing layers of protection that public figures often depend on in a country facing persistent security challenges.

Reflecting on earlier political developments, the Ovation magazine publisher noted that he had previously warned about what he described as a gradual shift toward stricter political control. He said his earlier comments had attracted criticism at the time, but maintained that he still believes Nigerians should examine government policies carefully rather than accepting them at face value.

Momodu also expressed concern about the safety of political actors and public figures as the next election cycle approaches. Campaign activities in Nigeria often require extensive travel across different states, and he questioned how politicians and major stakeholders would safely conduct their engagements without adequate security coverage.

In his view, the concept of VIP protection is not unique to Nigeria. Around the world, governments typically provide security arrangements for high-profile individuals due to their public visibility and potential exposure to threats. Removing such protection entirely, he argued, could expose individuals who are already widely known and easily identifiable.

To illustrate his concerns about security risks, Momodu referenced past incidents involving wealthy Nigerians who have faced kidnapping threats. High-profile business leaders such as Femi Otedola have previously been linked to security scares, demonstrating the level of danger prominent individuals may face without sufficient protection.

He further stressed that if security restructuring must occur, it should be applied carefully and fairly rather than appearing to target certain categories of individuals. Momodu argued that business leaders and private citizens who contribute to economic development should not become vulnerable due to political decisions.

Gossip News Now recalls that debates over VIP security privileges have surfaced several times in Nigeria’s political history, often triggering discussions about fairness, national security priorities, and the allocation of police resources.

Commentary and Analysis

The controversy surrounding the directive highlights a broader national conversation about security management and political trust. On one hand, the government may be seeking to reduce the excessive deployment of police officers to private individuals. On the other hand, critics fear that sudden policy shifts could unintentionally expose prominent citizens to danger in a country where kidnapping and violent crime remain major concerns.

Political analysts note that such decisions often carry both administrative and political consequences. While reforms may be aimed at improving the efficiency of security institutions, the perception of political targeting can quickly turn a policy debate into a partisan controversy.

As the country gradually approaches another election cycle, issues relating to safety, political competition, and public confidence in government policies are likely to remain central topics in national discussions.