The Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, has warned National Assembly security personnel against indiscipline, unprofessional behaviour and making social media comments capable of damaging the reputation of the legislature.
Sulaiman gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja during the closing ceremony of a three-day capacity-building programme on Effective Legislative Security Policy and Management Strategy for Enhanced Safety and Protection of the National Assembly.
He expressed displeasure over what he described as unruly conduct and inappropriate comments by some participants following a temporary power outage on the first day of the training.
The NILDS boss was particularly concerned about alleged social media posts by some participants, which he said portrayed the National Assembly and the institute negatively.
He maintained that while security officers had the right to express grievances and offer constructive criticism, such actions must be carried out professionally and without undermining the institutions they serve.
According to him, it was contradictory for personnel responsible for maintaining order and protecting the legislature to engage in activities capable of creating disorder and institutional embarrassment.
“You are officers entrusted with protecting the National Assembly, maintaining order and upholding institutional authority. It is therefore contradictory for those charged with promoting peace and order to engage in conduct capable of generating disorder and institutional embarrassment,” he said.
Sulaiman also cautioned the officers against using social media irresponsibly, noting that public comments made by personnel could affect the reputation of the institutions they represent.
He, however, acknowledged concerns raised by participants over some arrangements during the programme, clarifying that the catering services were handled by the National Assembly’s coordinating department and not NILDS.
He added that the bags distributed to participants were approved by the National Assembly Training Department.
On transportation, Sulaiman explained that NILDS had previously provided buses to convey participants between the National Assembly and its training facility following complaints during an earlier programme. However, the arrangement was discontinued after the training venue was changed.
Beyond the controversy, the NILDS director-general urged the officers to recognise the strategic importance of their responsibilities, describing the protection of the National Assembly as essential to the survival of democracy and constitutional order.
He noted that parliamentary security went beyond safeguarding buildings, equipment and individuals to preserving the integrity and authority of the legislature.
He identified the responsibilities of the Office of the Serjeant-at-Arms as including maintaining order in parliamentary chambers, protecting the Mace, assisting presiding officers in enforcing parliamentary rules and ensuring the safety of lawmakers, staff and visitors.
Sulaiman stressed that effective legislative security required discipline, emotional intelligence, sound judgment, restraint, loyalty and professionalism rather than physical strength or the authority to enforce instructions.
READ ALSO: National Assembly Clears State Police Bill For Transmission To Tinubu
He urged the officers to become custodians of order and protectors of institutional dignity rather than contribute to the erosion of public confidence in the legislature.
The NILDS boss also reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to developing the professional and academic capacity of National Assembly personnel.
He disclosed that more than 300 National Assembly staff members had benefited from the institute’s support for master’s and doctoral degree programmes on a pro bono basis.
He described the initiative as part of NILDS’ efforts to strengthen legislative governance and democratic institutions, stressing that its relationship with the National Assembly was based on institutional partnership rather than commercial interests.
Sulaiman further disclosed that the institute delivered the three-day training programme without receiving prior payment of its already discounted cost, committing its resources, facilities and personnel to ensure quality delivery.
He commended the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, and the management of the legislature for supporting staff development and institutional collaboration.
He urged both institutions to sustain their partnership, warning against divisions that could undermine their shared responsibility to strengthen democratic governance.
He reminded the security personnel that the National Assembly must remain strong and respected regardless of changes in government, political parties or legislative leadership.
“Governments will change, legislators will come and go, and political parties will change positions, but the National Assembly must remain strong, respected and effective. Your responsibility is to protect that continuity,” he said.
Sulaiman urged the participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the training to improve their operational decisions, professional conduct and interactions with members of the public.