The Senate descended into chaos yesterday as Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, made a dramatic scene over the shocking withdrawal of his police orderly. The move, part of a sudden government clampdown on VIP escorts, has sparked outrage among lawmakers who feel the new policy unfairly targets them while sparing the nation’s elite.

An emotional Ningi did not hold back during the heated plenary, revealing that his only police orderly had been stripped from him under the controversial directive. The Presidency and Police Force claim that pulling officers off VIP duty will tackle insecurity and improve public safety – but several senators aren’t buying it.

Senator Ningi slammed the rollout as nothing short of selective justice. He accused the authorities of ignoring big-name Nigerians while going after lawmakers. “Why are we the scapegoats?” Ningi thundered. “Let’s see this applied to the President, the Vice President, top politicians, ministers, the business elite, and even the privileged children of Nigeria’s political class!”

He pointed to the continued presence of police escorts for singers and foreign businessmen, blasting what he called a blatant double standard. “Is a senator less deserving of protection than an entertainer or an expatriate?” Ningi lamented, highlighting the sense of betrayal within the Senate.

In a bold move, Ningi demanded the Senate leadership order a full-blown probe into what he called “cherry-picking” in the enforcement of the new policy. According to him, the National Assembly is being unfairly singled out, while the rich and powerful continue to flaunt security details on the streets.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, presiding over the rowdy session, tried to calm the frayed nerves by admitting the issue is serious and under review. He reassured senators that the leadership is already taking action and has directed the Police Affairs Committee to investigate and report back. Barau insisted that President Tinubu’s intention was not to leave lawmakers exposed or strip them of their rights, and said the President would surely respond to the Senate’s concerns.

Despite these assurances, many senators remain unconvinced, warning that the government risks public outrage and a collapse of trust if this “selective enforcement” continues. They argue that VIP security is not just a privilege but a necessity in dangerous times, and demand equal treatment for all high-profile Nigerians.