The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly withdrawn security personnel attached to the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
The move, which sources confirmed occurred earlier this week, has been described by observers as both unusual and politically loaded, given the former governor’s continued relevance in national and state affairs.
This development has stirred debates within the political circles, just as the political stakeholders are steeped in discussion on the matter.
Mr. Emmanuel, who served two terms between 2015 and 2023, is widely credited with stabilizing Akwa Ibom’s economy through much touted industrialization, infrastructural development, and social investments.
Though, police authorities are yet to make an official statement, it was gathered that the sudden withdrawal order affected the bulk of personnel previously assigned to Emmanuel’s security detail.
Only a skeletal unit, according to insiders, has been left for his immediate protection.
The reason behind this action remains unclear. Typically, former governors particularly, those who served two terms retain police security aides in recognition of their exposure to threats stemming from past political decisions.
Political analysts suggested that, the withdrawal may not be unconnected with the shifting power dynamics in the state.
Mr. Emmanuel, despite leaving office more than two years ago, maintains influence within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom. His relationship with his political god-son, Governor Umo Eno, has been the subject of speculation sometimes described as cordial, other times painted as strained.
Some pundits argued that, the move could be an attempt to hoodwink Emmanuel’s political weight ahead of 2027 realignments.
Others caution against linking the action to politics without clear evidence, noting that federal security agencies sometimes review security allocations to cut costs or redeploy personnel.
Critics fear that, stripping a former governor of adequate security is dangerous, especially in a state and region where kidnapping, militancy, and politically motivated violence hold sway.
A senior lawyer in Uyo, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the development as “a breach of established protocol that exposes not just Udom Emmanuel but also sets a precedent that could endanger other ex-governors across Nigeria.”
For now, all eyes are on both the Nigeria Police Force and the Presidency to clarify the rationale behind the move.
If left unexplained, it risks deepening political suspicions and raising fresh tensions in Akwa Ibom.
As one analyst put it, “withdrawing security aides from a man who governed a state for eight years is more than administrative, it is symbolic.
“The message, whether intended or not, will echo in political circles for months to come.”
