Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Takes Subtle Swipe at Akpabio Over Police Escort Controversy

Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has once again stirred political debate following her pointed reaction to Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the withdrawal of police escorts attached to lawmakers. In a response that many have interpreted as both personal and political, the outspoken senator declared that her faith and the unwavering support of her constituents remain her only true source of security.

Akpoti-Uduaghan made her remarks via a Facebook post on Sunday, shortly after Akpabio publicly urged President Tinubu to reconsider the policy during a joint sitting of the National Assembly on Friday. The session was convened for the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, but it quickly became notable for the Senate President’s emotional plea regarding lawmakers’ safety.

Quoting Akpabio’s words, the Kogi Central senator wrote: “Some senators won’t be able to go home this holiday, please review your security policy.” She then followed up with a sharp response that appeared to reference her own recent experience with the withdrawal of official protection. “When you withdrew my security amidst the illegal suspension nko?” she wrote. “Allah Almighty, through my beloved people of Kogi Central, are my security. Beat that love.”

Her statement immediately reignited discussions around her controversial six-month suspension from the Senate, during which her privileges—including police escorts—were withdrawn. Akpoti-Uduaghan has consistently maintained that the suspension was unjust and politically motivated, a claim that continues to divide opinion within political circles and among the public.

The backdrop to the controversy is President Tinubu’s directive issued in November, ordering the redeployment of police officers attached to politicians, business moguls, and other Very Important Persons (VIPs). The policy aims to redirect personnel to frontline policing duties across the country in response to rising insecurity and a shortage of officers in critical areas. The decision was widely applauded by segments of the public who believe security resources have long been disproportionately allocated to elites at the expense of ordinary citizens.

However, the directive has not been without pushback. During Friday’s session, Akpabio warned that the withdrawal could expose some lawmakers to danger, especially during the festive season when many intend to return to their constituencies. He told the President that some National Assembly members feared they might be unable to travel home safely, urging a review of the policy.

Similar concerns were earlier raised by Senator Abdul Ningi, who complained that his police orderly had been withdrawn while other VIPs continued to enjoy armed protection. Ningi called on the Federal Government to ensure the policy is applied uniformly, stressing fairness and equity.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reaction has resonated strongly online, particularly on social media platforms and discussion forums, where opinions remain sharply divided. Supporters praised her courage, independence, and confidence, arguing that elected officials who genuinely serve their people should feel safe among them without heavy security details. Critics, however, accused her of grandstanding and hypocrisy, questioning whether any high-profile politician could realistically move freely without protection given Nigeria’s security challenges.

The debate has also extended to comparisons between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), which has reportedly been tasked with providing alternative protection in some cases. While some commentators argue that the NSCDC is adequately trained and armed, others insist that the roles and capacities of both agencies are fundamentally different.

Beyond the personalities involved, the controversy has once again exposed broader issues around governance, equity, and public trust. Many Nigerians have questioned why lawmakers fear returning to their constituencies after years in office, suggesting that such fears reflect deeper failures in leadership and security management.

As reactions continue to pour in, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s remarks underscore her reputation as one of the Senate’s most outspoken figures—unafraid to challenge authority or highlight perceived double standards. Whether viewed as principled defiance or unnecessary provocation, her response has ensured that the debate over police escorts, privilege, and public accountability remains firmly in the national conversation.