Etido Ekpo, the Sergeant-at-Arms of the National Assembly, has introduced new security protocols surrounding the office of Senate President Godswill Akpabio as the legislature prepares to reconvene after its recess.
In an official memo dated October 2, the retired Brigadier-General announced that the hallway connecting the White House lobby to the Senate President’s office will be exclusively accessible to lawmakers, including both Senators and members of the House of Representatives.
The directive clearly prohibits aides and personal assistants from using this corridor.
“Please ensure this message reaches all distinguished senators so they can inform their aides or personal assistants accordingly,” the memo instructed.
Ekpo emphasized that this measure aims to uphold a “secure and safe environment” conducive to legislative activities within the National Assembly premises.
Following a recess that began in July, the National Assembly is scheduled to resume plenary sessions on October 7.
This new restriction is expected to spark discussions among legislative staff and aides, many of whom rely on close proximity to senior officials and their offices to perform their duties effectively.
At this time, it remains unclear whether this security adjustment is temporary or part of a larger, ongoing review of safety measures within the National Assembly complex.
While the Senate President’s office has always been one of the most secure locations in the complex, aides previously enjoyed relatively unrestricted access, a practice now being curtailed.
