Allow State-Owned Security Corps Access To Weapons – CD

By Ayodele Oni

National President, of the Campaign for Democracy (CD), Ifeanyi Odili, has urged the Federal Government to urgently review and amend the Nigerian Firearms Act of 1990, granting states the autonomy to protect their citizens from the scourge of banditry and terrorism.

He was of the view that the review has become imperative in the face of escalating insecurity in the country, which seems to have overwhelmed security agents.

In a statement in Akure, Ondo state, Odili stated that “The Campaign for Democracy (CD) is compelled to express its utter dismay and consternation at the Federal Government’s obstinate refusal to grant state governments access to sophisticated weapons for local security.

“The Nigerian Firearms Act of 1990, a relic of a bygone era, prohibits state governments from possessing high-calibre automatic weapons like AK-47s, with licensing authority resting solely with the President.

“This antiquated law has been rendered obsolete by the current security challenges facing our nation.

“We demand answers: who issued licenses for AK-47s used by bandits to terrorize innocent Nigerians?

“If not the Federal Government, the President should forthwith allow states to equip their security forces with such weapons.

“It is unconscionable, indescribable that the same weapons banned for states are used to perpetrate violence and mayhem against law-abiding citizens.

“This glaring anomaly underscores the Federal Government’s callous disregard for human life and its prioritization of bandits over citizens.

“The President’s failure to secure Nigeria is a blatant breach of his oath of office, which explicitly mandates him to protect the lives and property of Nigerians.

“His inability to do so has emboldened bandits and terrorists, leaving states defenseless against these scourges. We hold the President accountable for this failure and demand immediate action.

“We urge the Federal Government to urgently review and amend the Nigerian Firearms Act of 1990, granting states the autonomy to protect their citizens from the scourge of banditry and terrorism.

“The monopoly on sophisticated weapons must end. States should be empowered to combat bandits head-on, without the hindrance of bureaucratic red tape.

“The President must act now. Allow states to procure sophisticated firearms and issue End-User Certificates. It’s time to prioritize citizens’ safety over the interests of a few.

“We will not be silenced by the deafening silence of the Federal Government. We will not be deterred by the lack of action. We will continue to demand accountability and action.

“To the Nigerian people, we say: enough is enough! It’s time to take back our country. It’s time to demand accountability from our leaders. Join us in this fight for a safer, more secure Nigeria.”