LAGOS – Chief Emeka Chales Kalu, as seasoned politician and Presi­dent/CEO, ECK Foundation, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the safety of every Nigerian citizen.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Dr Kalu, a power engineer and an aspirant to the Abia North Senatorial Seat, in an open letter to President Tinubu, a copy which was made avail­able to Sunday Independent, said his letter was in reaction to the recent order for the with­drawal of security to the Very Important Personalities (VIPs).

Kalu, the Director-General, Global Initiatives for Good Gov­ernance (GIGG), maintained that it is the duty of the gov­ernment to protect both public officials and private citizens.

He said: “I write this open letter with utmost respect and deep concern for the security and stability of our nation.

“Mr. President, I humbly appeal to your sense of mag­nanimity and commitment to safeguarding every Nigerian— both public officials and private citizens—as I address the recent decision to withdraw police security from VIPs across the country.

“Your Excellency, while the intention behind this policy may be to reform and reposition our security framework, the re­alities on ground suggest that its implementation at this time may expose the Nigerian state to even greater danger.

“Nigeria is presently grap­pling with unprecedented lev­els of insecurity—kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and target­ed attacks by non-state actors.

“VIPs, both within and out­side the country, remain prima­ry targets due to their visibility, influence, and perceived vulner­ability.”

Kalu said that with the ris­ing wave of violent crimes, one must ask: How will VIPs, gov­ernment officials, legislators, business leaders, and other high-profile individuals travel safely with their families with­out adequate police protection?

He stressed: “The recom­mendation that the Civil De­fence Corps should fill this role is equally concerning. The Nigeria Security and Civil De­fence Corps (NSCDC) currently has an estimated operational ca­pacity of about 63,000 personnel nationwide—a number grossly inadequate to cover national infrastructure, public safety responsibilities, and additional VIP protection duties.

“Their mandate and train­ing focus differ significantly from that of the Nigeria Police Force, and stretching them further could weaken multiple layers of national security si­multaneously.

“Furthermore, withdraw­ing police protection will have direct impacts on members of the Senate, House of Represen­tatives, ministers, ambassadors, traditional rulers, judges, and business leaders, who remain crucial to national governance, investment credibility, and dip­lomatic representation.

“A sudden withdrawal of security risks not only their safety, but the continuity of gov­ernment operations and public confidence.

“Your Excellency, this policy, if implemented without proper structure, timing, and alterna­tive protective measures, may constitute a grave error—one that could embolden criminal networks and place lives at risk.

“Even advanced nations maintain protective services for their public officials given the world’s security complexities.”