society
Excessive’ Security For Seyi Tinubu: How It Is Understood
‘Excessive’ Security For Seyi Tinubu: How It Is Understood
*by Folorunsho Tahir Hamsat
The appropriateness or otherwise of security protection for a president’s family can be a subject of public debate. This debate is centred on the complex challenge of ensuring the safety of people connected to the presidency while being mindful of public accountability and the effective use of government resources.
This writer will focus solely on the provision of security for the president’s family, as understood, in layman’s terms.
Recently at a public function, President Tinubu’s son, Seyi’s ‘excessive’ security escort was criticized by Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka. The respected leader had argued that such resources were needed elsewhere.
From my study, it is standard international practice for a country’s president’s immediate family, including the children, to receive significant security protection. This is due to the high profile of the president and the potential national security risks that could arise from threats and various forms of harm to the president’s family members.
Nigeria is currently confronted by multiple security challenges like kidnapping and banditry, with the primary threat coming from the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWA) and Boko Haram. On that score, threatening or harming a president’s son, daughter or wife could be used to blackmail the president and compromise his ability to perform state duties, thereby creating a national crisis. Thus, the goal of ‘excessively’ protecting the president’s family is to ensure the stability and continuity of the president’s function and, by extension, the nation, by mitigating high-level threats to the First Family.
I am not familiar with the local laws on the protection of private individuals; but, based on my research, in developed countries whose model of democracy Nigeria especially practices, such as the US, the provision of security by agencies like the DSS to the president’s immediate family is a federal law, not a discretionary choice.
The president’s family members often attend public schools or travel, requiring extensive, pre-planned security measures and advance team to ensure their safety in such environments. Even the US law specifies that children of former presidents receive protection until they are 16 years old, unless declined.
In other climes, a sitting president can issue an executive order to extend protection to members of his family, including individuals not automatically covered by law.
I will support this argument with two empirical evidence. Just before departing the White House finally in January 2025 after the expiration of his constitutional two terms as president of the United States, Joe Biden extended protection for his adult children through the next seven months via an executive order. That presidential order was critiqued by his successor, Donald Trump, and subsequently revoked by him. However, Trump himself did the same for his four adult children and two of their spouses before his first term ended in 2021, when they were given six months additional protection beyond their stay in the government house.
Thus, my interpretation of this subject is that, if it’s not unusual for a president before he leaves office to authorize an extended period of protection for their immediate family members, giving them a full time protection while holding the power is justified and not inappropriate.
-Tahir Hamsat is a Lagos based journalist. He can be reached via 08051000485
Life Patron Gen. Buratai Congratulates Newly Elected Lady Captain of TYBGRCC
ABUJA – The Tukur Yusufu Buratai Golf Resort and Country Club (TYBGRCC) has ushered in a new era of leadership with the election of Ms. Jumai Hajara Adamu as its Lady Captain.
The club’s Life Patron, Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd) CFR, former Chief of Army Staff, has extended his warm congratulations and full endorsement. “As the Life Patron, I am immensely proud to see a leader of your calibre step forward,” he stated. “Please be assured of my full and unwavering support throughout your tenure. I have every confidence that your leadership will be marked by significant achievements.”
The election, conducted by the club’s Board of Trustees and membership, highlights a unanimous confidence in Ms. Adamu’s vision and dedication to the sport and the club’s community.
In her acceptance address, the newly elected Lady Captain outlined a forward-looking agenda anchored on three key pillars: Unity, Development, and Inclusiveness. “I believe that golf is not just a sport but a powerful platform for friendship, discipline, mentorship, and community,” she stated, pledging to strengthen member bonds, encourage greater participation among ladies and youth, and enhance the club’s facilities.
Ms. Jumai Hajara Adamu, a respected member known for her active participation and organizational acumen, succeeds a line of distinguished past Lady Captains. She has pledged to build upon their legacy with transparency, teamwork, and accountability, ensuring every member feels heard and represented.
This appointment is seen as a significant step for the TYBGRCC, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, growth, and fostering a vibrant sporting community in the heart of the nation’s capital. The club anticipates a dynamic and prosperous term under her guidance.
About Tukur Yusufu Buratai Golf Resort and Country Club (TYBGRCC):
Located in Abuja, TYBGRCC is a premier golfing destination dedicated to promoting the sport of golf, fostering camaraderie, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle among its members and guests. It stands as a testament to world-class sporting and recreational facilities.
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.
This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.
The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.
According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.
Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.
According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.
She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.
While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.
She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.
He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.
According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.
He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.
Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
Business6 months agoBatsumi Travel CEO Lisa Sebogodi Wins Prestigious Africa Travel 100 Women Award
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING