Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, has raised concerns over the recent presidential directive to withdraw police escorts from Very Important Persons (VIPs). He questioned the scope of the policy and emphasized the need for clarity on which categories of individuals are affected.
In a report by PUNCH on Friday November 28 2025, Ihonvbere explained that although he does not consider himself a VIP, his role as a national officer requires security protection. He stressed that public officials, especially those who travel frequently to volatile regions, should not be left without adequate security.
He cited the example of his journey from Benin City to his constituency in Edo State, describing the route as a high-risk area plagued by kidnappers. He expressed concern about the implications of traveling such routes without police protection, warning that it could endanger the lives of public servants and hinder their ability to serve effectively.
Prof. Ihonvbere said, “If I’m going to my constituency, will I go without security? I think the government should clarify this so that it will be clear for us to know who are affected by this development. I want to repeat that there are VIPs and public officers.” View, More,
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