By Halimat Adewumi

Senator Ned Nwoko has joined the list of others and sponsored a bill to allow civilians in Nigeria to own and carry firearms. Nwoko’s views have also been shared by other prominent political figures in the country, including House of Representatives Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa and the former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom.

He blew hot in an interview where he expressed his frustrations concerning the height of insecurity in the country. In this interview, he stated that his SLA in the National Assembly was kidnapped three months ago, even though a report was made to the Police and DSS and he still has not been found.

A demand of 10 million naira was made to the wife, in which Senator Nwoko gave the Policemen the phone number used to contact the wife, and nothing was done about it even then.

This made him emphasize the extent of the failure of the Nigerian system and brought his determination to ensure the Nigerian government allows the average Nigerian to own and handle a gun for self-defense and security.

While addressing concerns about the intent of the bill and how it could just be another way for politicians to siphon money from the government.

Nwoko stated: “You seem to have given up on Nigeria; you cannot give Nigerians an opportunity; you think everybody is corrupt; you think the kings are corrupt; you think the DPOs are corrupt; you think the doctors are corrupt; you think the Local Government Chairmen are corrupt; you think anybody will just go there and pay the money and get those certifications.”

He further continued, “Would you want to defend yourself if you were attacked by armed robbers or kidnappers in your own home? Would you want to be able to defend your children and your wife if you were attacked?”

“If you don’t want to get a gun, that is your problem; then don’t handle a gun, but there are many people out there who would want to be able to defend themselves; I speak on behalf of those.” He stated.

He described the situation of insecurity in the country, where the kidnappers and armed robbers have more than enough guns and arms to create havoc in society, while noting that although there is a solution that would mean continuing to fund the Nigerian military, all that has been done with little to no result.

He ended it by emphasizing the failure of the Nigerian system, which means the only way the common man can be safe and protected is to do it by himself and not wait for the government.

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