By Omotosho Victor Fiyinfoluwa (SIWES student, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti)
A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), the Civil Coalition for Credible Election (CSCCE), warns against the perils of arming citizens for self-defence amidst Nigeria’s insecurity challenges.
In a recent press conference held in Abuja, Aminu Usman, the convener of CSCCE, emphasized the grave risks associated with such legislation, citing potential chaos and anarchy in the already volatile society.
The proposed bill, championed by Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North Senatorial District, aims to empower Nigerians against bandits and terrorists.
However, the CSO vehemently opposes this move, highlighting the proliferation of illegal arms in the hands of non-state actors and civilians. This alarming statistic, underscored by a 2020 survey conducted by a Swiss-based non-profit organization, paints a grim picture of the security landscape.
The CSO underscores the inherent dangers of legitimizing civilian possession of weapons, fearing it would exacerbate conflicts and pose a severe threat to national security.
With over 6.2 million estimated arms in circulation, surpassing the arsenal of the Nigerian military, the CSO calls upon lawmakers, including Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, to reject the bill unequivocally.
Moreover, the CSO extends appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu for their proactive measures in addressing the country’s security challenges.
In the face of escalating threats, the CSO advocates for pragmatic solutions that prioritize stability and the rule of law over reactive measures that could plunge the nation into further turmoil.
