Senate Dismisses Reports of Seeking Special Security Arrangements for Members

The Senate has firmly denied reports suggesting that it is considering special or collective security arrangements for its members, stressing that no such proposal has ever been discussed or contemplated by the upper legislative chamber.

In an interview with Saturday Punch, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu described the reports as misleading, noting that the Senate has never convened to deliberate on group security protection for senators.

According to Adaramodu, senators, like other public office holders, are entitled to make individual security arrangements where necessary, especially in line with current national security directives, but this does not translate into an institutional request by the Senate.

There will be no time when the Senate sits to seek special security provisions for its members, he stated.

He explained that President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency already provides a clear framework for handling security concerns across the country. Under this arrangement, any official who requires protection is expected to make a formal request through the appropriate security agencies.

What we understand is that following the President’s declaration of a security emergency, all security agencies, especially the police, are expected to ensure they have sufficient personnel to confront the present security challenges, Adaramodu said, adding that the Senate fully supports the President’s efforts in this regard.

He further clarified that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has been identified as one of the agencies officials can approach when personal protection is required.

Adaramodu also emphasized that the current practice is not new, pointing out that even in previous assemblies, lawmakers handled their security needs on an individual basis without any collective resolution by the Senate.

Even in the past, when former senators needed protection, the Senate never met to make such requests on their behalf, he said.

Addressing concerns over rising security threats nationwide, the Senate spokesperson urged lawmakers to remain calm, assuring them that security agencies are taking steps to strengthen their capacity. He disclosed that plans are underway to significantly boost police manpower.

There is no reason for senators to panic. More police personnel will soon be recruited, with ongoing plans to add about 50,000 officers to the force, Adaramodu added.