A prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, has raised strong concerns over the Federal Government’s decision to strip Very Important Personalities of police escorts, alleging that the move is a calculated attempt to weaken voices critical of the current administration.
Momodu addressed the development during a televised interview, where he argued that the policy could create a climate of fear among political rivals.
According to him, the withdrawal is “not simply a security reshuffle but a subtle tactic to pressure those who refuse to align with the ruling power.”
Moreover, the media entrepreneur insisted that the removal of security personnel should target politicians in the nation’s capital rather than business leaders or successful civilians.
He noted that wealthy entrepreneurs contribute to the economy and remain vulnerable to attacks.
“Entrepreneurs who built their wealth legitimately should not be punished for their success,” Momodu said, stressing that figures in industry still face high risks of kidnapping and extortion nationwide.
The Federal Government had recently announced the recall of police escorts attached to VIPs, directing law enforcement agencies to redeploy officers to community policing roles to address insecurity and overstretching of personnel.
However, the ADC stalwart believes that the decision would disproportionately affect those in opposition politics.
“When protection is taken away selectively, that is no longer governance. That is strategic intimidation,” he added.
Furthermore, Momodu argued that the policy could erode democratic engagement by exposing opposition leaders to danger while forcing them into silence.
He contended that livelihoods and voices should not be weaponised through security protocols.
“Removing escorts from opposition figures sends a message, speak less or risk more,” he emphasised.
His remarks continue to fuel ongoing debate across political circles, as critics question whether the new directive is motivated by national security priorities or political advantage.
The policy’s implementation is expected to draw wider scrutiny from opposition parties, human rights advocates, and security experts in the coming weeks as the conversation around safety, governance, and democracy deepens.