Aso Villa security warned to stop ‘begging’ for money from ‘important dignitaries’

The Federal government has warned security agents attached to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to desist from harassing prominent personalities visiting the premises. According to the office of the
Chief Security to the President, some security personnel are in the habit of ‘pestering, escorting’ and begging for money from important dignitaries. A circular signed by Auwal Maikano on behalf of the Chief Security Officer to the President on Thursday, warned members of staff that strict measures would be taken against those who persist with the unprofessional conduct. “The CSO to the President/C-in-C has observed with dismay the unprofessional conduct of some officers and men of the security department working in the Presidential Villa. These disturbing acts, such as pestering, escorting and hanging around important dignitaries such as governors and ministers coming to the Villa, must stop forthwith.” “Any security personnel or State House Staff caught indulging in such acts will henceforth be summarily sanctioned. For the avoidance of doubt, all security personnel must remain at their various beats at all times.” “All are also warned and reminded that: (i) begging for financial gratification and any form of soliciting for assistance from visitors to the Presidential Villa and (ii) behaving in a manner inimical to the of conduct of security personnel working in the Presidential Villa will attract severe sanctions.” “Consequently, the CSO to the President/C-in-C has constituted a committee to discreetly monitor the activities of all security personnel working in the Presidential Villa. Any security personnel caught in such acts will have himself or herself to blame.” “This circular is to serve as a last warning to such violators of the code of conduct and ethics of security personnel/State House Staff working in the Presidential Villa.”