Abubakar Sulaiman, the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), has urged Sergeant-at-Arms personnel to maintain strict discipline and professionalism while protecting the National Assembly in Nigeria. Sulaiman delivered these remarks at the closing ceremony of a three-day training program on legislative security policy held in Abuja on Wednesday, according to Premium Times. The event marked the conclusion of a course organized by NILDS in collaboration with the National Assembly to enhance safety and protection strategies for the legislature.
Sulaiman emphasized that the role of security personnel extends far beyond conventional physical protection of buildings. He stated that their duties involve maintaining order, protecting lawmakers and visitors, and enforcing parliamentary authority. According to the report, he argued that these responsibilities require emotional intelligence, sound judgment, restraint, and loyalty rather than mere physical strength. He told the attendees that they must act as custodians of order and protectors of institutional dignity, rather than contributing to its erosion.
The Director-General also expressed disappointment regarding the conduct of some participants during the training. He cited alleged unruly behavior and inappropriate social media posts that occurred following a temporary power interruption on the first day of the program. Sulaiman noted that while participants had the right to express grievances, the manner in which they communicated concerns was inconsistent with the professionalism expected of public officers. He warned that such conduct could generate disorder and embarrass the institution they represent.
Essien Essien, the Secretary of Human Resources and Staff Development, represented the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, at the ceremony. Essien urged participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the training to improve their workplace performance. He directed the staff to apologize to Sulaiman for their alleged unruly conduct, which they did. Ogunlana, as reported by Premium Times, emphasized that staff rights to question decisions must be exercised responsibly and through appropriate channels.
Sulaiman highlighted NILDS’ broader commitment to strengthening legislative capacity through research and training. He noted that more than 300 National Assembly staff members had benefited from the institute’s supported master’s and doctoral programs on a pro bono basis. He described this initiative as a significant investment in human capital development, asserting that a stronger National Assembly requires a more competent workforce. The institute has evolved into a legislative capacity-building institution that has attracted attention from parliaments across Africa.