OPINION: Withdrawal Of Police From VIPs Bold Move Towards Fairness, Equality

In a society where the rich are protected and the poor are neglected, insecurity reigns supreme. This stark reality has been laid bare in Nigeria, where the recent decision to withdraw police personnel from private individuals and organizations has sparked a heated debate. While some have condemned the move, others see it as a necessary step towards addressing the country’s pressing security challenges and promoting fairness in security distribution.

The government’s decision to withdraw police personnel from private individuals and organizations is a bold move aimed at addressing the country’s security imbalance and terrorism. For too long, the wealthy and influential people have enjoyed police protection, while the common man suffers from insecurity. This decision seeks to redirect resources to areas where they are most needed, ensuring that all Nigerians have access to adequate security.

The influential individuals opposing this decision exemplify privilege’s insidious grip on Nigeria’s security narrative. They prioritize personal safety over national security, showcasing a stunning lack of empathy for the common man. Their stance perpetuates a system where security is a privilege, not a right. By opposing this policy, they’re essentially saying their lives matter more than others’, exposing the deep-seated inequality in our security architecture.

Their criticism also reveals a shocking shortsightedness, ignoring the fact that a secure society benefits everyone, including themselves. By hoarding security resources, they’re not only harming others but also undermining the very fabric of Nigerian society. Their actions demonstrate a disturbing disregard for the greater good, prioritising personal interests over national well-being.

Moreover, their opposition to this policy is a stark reminder that Nigeria’s security system is designed to protect the powerful, not the people. It’s a system that perpetuates inequality, where the wealthy and influential are shielded from harm, while the common man is left vulnerable to insecurity. By opposing this policy, they’re fighting to maintain the status quo, protecting their privilege and power at the expense of the marginalized.

Their resistance to change is further proof that those in power will stop at nothing to maintain their grip on Nigeria’s security apparatus. They’re willing to sacrifice the nation’s security and stability on the altar of personal interest, all while pretending to be concerned about the country’s well-being.

It’s also worth noting that these influential individuals have a history of benefiting from the system, often at the expense of the common man. They’re the same people who’ve been accused of corruption, embezzlement, and other crimes, yet they’ve managed to evade accountability. Now, they’re crying foul because they’re being asked to give up some of their privileges. Their hypocrisy is staggering, and it’s time someone called them out on it.

The Nigerian people deserve better than to be held hostage by these self-serving elites. It’s notable that none of the critics of this decision have been able to point to countries like the UK, Canada, or the US, where police protection is not typically provided for private individuals unless there’s a specific high-risk threat. In fact, in these countries, police forces prioritize public safety and law enforcement over providing personal protection to individuals.

The government’s decision is a step towards aligning the country’s security policies with international best practices, prioritizing the security of all Nigerians, not just the privileged few.

The audacity of these influential individuals is breathtaking. They’re essentially saying, “I’ve got mine, and I don’t care about yours.” It’s a selfish, myopic, and downright unpatriotic stance. They’re prioritizing their own interests over the greater good, and it’s a stark reminder of the cancer that’s eating away at Nigeria’s progress.

Their actions are a perfect example of the Nigerian phrase, ” lwa imo tara eni nikan” – ” Only me is entitled to it.” They’re abandoning the Nigerian people and choosing to protect their own interests instead. They’re choosing to perpetuate a system that’s rigged in their favour, and it’s a betrayal of the trust the people have placed in them.

It’s time to call out these influential individuals for what they are: self-serving, power-hungry, and out of touch with the realities of the people. They’re not leaders; they’re opportunists, using their positions to further their own interests. We, the people, deserve better, and it’s time we demand it.

We are not just demanding better. We deserve it. We’re being forced to demand better because the system is broken. It’s broken because of people like these influential individuals who are more concerned with lining their pockets and protecting their own interests than serving the people.

Their actions are a manifestation of the disease, where the ruling class is more interested in exploiting the system for personal gain than in serving the people. It’s a disease that’s eaten away at the fabric of Nigerian society, and it’s time to call it out for what it is, a cancer that’s destroying the country.

We have been patient. We’ve been hopeful. We’ve been resilient. But patience is wearing thin, hope is turning to frustration, and resilience is being tested. It’s time for the Nigerian people to rise up and demand better from their leaders.

It’s time to demand accountability, transparency, and leadership that serves the people, not just the privileged few. The government made a bold decision to withdraw police personnel from private individuals and organizations. It’s time for the Nigerian people to support that decision and demand that their leaders prioritize their security and well-being. The alternative is unthinkable.

The status quo is no longer tenable, and the Nigerian people are no longer willing to settle for mediocrity. They’re demanding excellence, and they deserve it. The question is, will the government and the influential individuals who oppose the policy listen to the people, or will they continue to prioritize their own interests?

The world is watching, and Nigeria is at a crossroads. The decision to withdraw police personnel from private individuals and organizations is a test of the government’s commitment to serving the people. It’s a test of their willingness to tackle the systemic issues that have plagued Nigeria for far too long.

The Nigerian people are not asking for handouts; they’re demanding their rights. They’re demanding a fair shake, a level playing field, and a government that serves them, not just the privileged few. They’re demanding an end to the corruption, the nepotism, and the cronyism that’s held Nigeria back for so long.

The ball is in the government’s court, and the people are waiting with bated breath for the outcome. Will they rise to the challenge, or will they falter? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Nigerian people will no longer be silenced, and they will no longer be ignored.

Finally, the government’s decision to withdraw police personnel from private individuals and organizations is a step in the right direction towards addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. It’s a move that prioritizes the security of all Nigerians, not just the privileged few. The influential individuals opposing this decision are more concerned with protecting their own interests than serving the people. They’re a relic of the past, clinging to power and privilege, and it’s time for them to be held accountable.

The Nigerian people deserve better. They deserve a government that serves them, not just the elite. They deserve a system that’s fair, just, and equitable. And they deserve to live without fear of insecurity. The road ahead won’t be easy, but Nigeria can overcome its challenges. With a government that’s committed to serving the people and a people that’s demanding accountability, Nigeria can build a brighter future for all its citizens.
The time for change is now, and the Nigerian people are ready.
Security is a right, not a privilege.

Sola Adeola is a doctoral student at the University of Abuja. 08071313200