Emeka Kalu: An open letter to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

By Chijindu Emeruwa

Concerned Nigerian citizen, Emeka Charles Kalu has written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on security and stability of the country.

Kalu, in an open letter addressed to the Nigerian leader, made available to newsmen on Monday, expressed concern on the recent decision to withdraw police security from VIPs across the country.

The letter titled “AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA read in full:

Your Excellency,

President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,

I write this open letter with utmost respect and deep concern for the security and stability of our nation. Mr. President, I humbly appeal to your sense of magnanimity and commitment to safeguarding every Nigerian—both public officials and private citizens—as I address the recent decision to withdraw police security from VIPs across the country.

Your Excellency, while the intention behind this policy may be to reform and reposition our security framework, the realities on ground suggest that its implementation at this time may expose the Nigerian state to even greater danger. Nigeria is presently grappling with unprecedented levels of insecurity—kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and targeted attacks by non-state actors. VIPs, both within and outside the country, remain primary targets due to their visibility, influence, and perceived vulnerability.

With the rising wave of violent crimes, one must ask: How will VIPs, government officials, legislators, business leaders, and other high-profile individuals travel safely with their families without adequate police protection?

The recommendation that the Civil Defence Corps should fill this role is equally concerning. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) currently has an estimated operational capacity of about 63,000 personnel nationwide—a number grossly inadequate to cover national infrastructure, public safety responsibilities, and additional VIP protection duties. Their mandate and training focus differ significantly from that of the Nigeria Police Force, and stretching them further could weaken multiple layers of national security simultaneously.

Furthermore, withdrawing police protection will have direct impacts on members of the Senate, House of Representatives, ministers, ambassadors, traditional rulers, judges, and business leaders who remain crucial to national governance, investment credibility, and diplomatic representation. A sudden withdrawal of security risks not only their safety but the continuity of government operations and public confidence.

Your Excellency, this policy, if implemented without proper structure, timing, and alternative protective measures, may constitute a grave error—one that could embolden criminal networks and place lives at risk. Even advanced nations maintain protective services for their public officials given the world’s security complexities. Nigeria must not take a path that leaves key figures exposed during a period of national vulnerability.

I respectfully urge you, Mr. President, to reconsider this directive, or at the very least suspend its implementation until a comprehensive, phased, and well-equipped alternative system is established. The goal should be to enhance, not reduce, national security—protecting every Nigerian while ensuring that those who serve the nation or contribute significantly to its development do not become easy targets.

Your leadership has always demonstrated wisdom and compassion for the people. I trust that in your magnanimity, you will review this matter in defense of the nation’s collective safety and stability.

May God bless you and continue to guide your stewardship over our beloved country.

Respectfully,

Emeka Kalu