In a sombre and unusually candid intervention that laid bare the growing strain on Nigeria’s political system, Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Friday raised the alarm over the safety of lawmakers, calling for strengthened police protection as economic hardship deepens and insecurity continues to stalk the country.
Akpabio made the appeal at a rare joint sitting of the National Assembly, just moments before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented the Federal Government’s budget estimates to a combined session of the Senate and the House of Representatives. His remarks, delivered against the tense backdrop of rising inflation, public anger and persistent violence, injected a note of urgency into what is often a ceremonial parliamentary gathering.
Painting a stark picture of the national mood, the Senate President said the pain gripping ordinary Nigerians has also reached their elected representatives, many of whom now face growing hostility, threats and security risks in their constituencies.
“Too many Nigerians continue to struggle with the cost of living. Too many communities remain burdened by insecurity,” Akpabio said, his voice heavy with concern. “Whenever we meet in this chamber, a senator or a representative carries the pain of bereaved families from his constituency. These tragedies are not statistics. They are fathers, mothers, sons and daughters.”
While stopping short of explicitly naming it, Akpabio’s remarks were widely interpreted as a response to the recent withdrawal and redeployment of police officers attached to lawmakers, a move justified by authorities as part of broader efforts to bolster frontline policing. Within the National Assembly, however, the policy has sparked unease, with legislators warning that it leaves them dangerously exposed at a time of heightened public tension.
Akpabio stressed that lawmakers, by virtue of their constant engagement with aggrieved and distressed constituents, often stand at the frontline of public frustration—and must not be left vulnerable.
“The first duty of government is the protection of lives and property,” he said. “Those entrusted with the responsibility of making laws for the peace, order and good governance of this country must themselves be protected to discharge their duties effectively.”
Analysts note that worsening economic conditions have intensified public anger nationwide, occasionally spilling over into protests, confrontations and threats directed at elected officials. In recent months, several lawmakers have reportedly faced hostile crowds, security breaches and intimidation during constituency visits.
“Insecurity is not selective,” Akpabio warned. “It tests our collective resolve and reminds us that peace is not inherited—it must be constantly defended.”
Beyond personal safety, the Senate President framed his intervention as part of a broader warning about the fragility of state institutions in times of crisis. He urged closer cooperation between the Executive and the Legislature, arguing that national stability depends on harmony between the arms of government.
Drawing lessons from history, Akpabio noted that countries advance when institutions work together and slide into stagnation when rivalry and mistrust take hold.
“Great nations are not built by perfect conditions,” he said. “They are built by leaders who make hard choices together with their Parliament.”
He cautioned that prolonged executive-legislative tension—especially over security and budgetary matters—could weaken institutions, disrupt governance and erode public confidence, as seen in nations trapped in political deadlock.
Despite the pressures, Akpabio said the 10th National Assembly has remained active and productive, passing landmark legislation on security, fiscal reform, governance, judicial administration and social protection. These reforms, he said, are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture, improve intelligence coordination and restore trust in public institutions.
Yet, he warned, legislative effectiveness cannot be sustained if lawmakers themselves operate under fear.
“The task of nation-building demands patience, sacrifice and unity of purpose,” Akpabio said. “But those carrying this burden must not do so at the risk of their lives.”
His call for reinforced police protection comes at a politically sensitive moment, as public debate intensifies over the privileges of office holders amid widespread hardship. Akpabio acknowledged the suffering of Nigerians and rejected any notion that lawmakers are insulated from national pain, insisting that the legislature remains committed to ensuring that every naira appropriated delivers real value to citizens.
“Reform is not easy,” he said. “But it is the only path that leads forward.”
As President Tinubu rose shortly after to present the budget estimates, attention turned to whether increased security funding—and safeguards for both citizens and those tasked with governing—would feature prominently in legislative deliberations.
Observers say Akpabio’s intervention reflects an attempt to strike a delicate balance: acknowledging public hardship while confronting the harsh
Yet, he warned, legislative effectiveness cannot be sustained if lawmakers themselves operate under fear.
“The task of nation-building demands patience, sacrifice and unity of purpose,” Akpabio said. “But those carrying this burden must not do so at the risk of their lives.”
His call for reinforced police protection comes at a politically sensitive moment, as public debate intensifies over the privileges of office holders amid widespread hardship. Akpabio acknowledged the suffering of Nigerians and rejected any notion that lawmakers are insulated from national pain, insisting that the legislature remains committed to ensuring that every naira appropriated delivers real value to citizens.
“Reform is not easy,” he said. “But it is the only path that leads forward.”
As President Tinubu rose shortly after to present the budget estimates, attention turned to whether increased security funding—and safeguards for both citizens and those tasked with governing—would feature prominently in legislative deliberations.
Observers say Akpabio’s intervention reflects an attempt to strike a delicate balance: acknowledging public hardship while confronting the harsh realities of governance in an era of economic strain and insecurity. Whether the executive will respond to the lawmakers’ concerns remains uncertain, but the Senate President has unmistakably thrust the issue of lawmakers’ safety into the national spotlight.
Insecurity: Akpabio Urges Tinubu To Reinforced Police Protection for Lawmakers’ Safety
