“I can’t go to my constituency without police security” – Ihonvbere
By DADA AYOKHAI
Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, representing Owan Federal Constituency in Edo State, has expressed concerns over the president’s directive to withdraw police security from VIPs, stating he can’t visit his constituency without police protection due to insecurity and poor road conditions.
He emphasized that his role as a national officer requires adequate security, especially given the high-risk nature of his route from Benin City to his constituency in Edo State .
In an exclusive interview with a national Daily ,, Ihonvbere explained that, although he did not consider himself a VIP, his position as a national officer of Nigeria makes it necessary for him to have police protection.
He stressed that it is important to clearly define who would fall under the scope of this policy, pointing out that, in countries around the world, it is standard for presidents and other key government functionaries to be provided with police protection to ensure their security.
He said, “In my own case, I can fly to Benin City, Edo State, but I can’t move without police from Benin City to my constituency. This is because that road is a danger zone where kidnappers hold sway.”
He stated that if he were going to his constituency, he would not go without security. He added that he believed the government should clarify the directive so that it would be clear who would be affected by it. He emphasized that there is a distinction between VIPs and public officers.
punch newspaper.
