Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode has advocated for Nigerians to be allowed to carry sophisticated weapons such as AK-47 for self-defence.
According to the former minister, if herdsmen could be allowed to bear arms for self-defence, other Nigerians should be allowed to secure themselves.
Fani-Kayode made the call during a visit to Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho on Thursday at his Ibadan residence.
The former minister, who reasoned that the best way to handle the security challenges in the country was for government to defend the people, however, said the other available option was for Nigerians to be allowed to bear arms so as to put an end to the spate of killings across the country.
According to him, since the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (retd), had called on Nigerians to defend themselves against bandits and other criminals, it was reasonable for them to bear arms so as to be effective in defending themselves.
He said: “The Bauchi State Governor said a few days ago that Fulani herdsmen should be allowed to carry AK-47, but I disagree with him on that, but that is his own opinion. If you go by that principle, it makes absolute sense that if Fulani herdsmen are allowed to carry AK-47 to defend their cows and their lives if they feel threatened, then it is also logical that farmers, local people and each one of us should also have that right to defend ourselves against Fulani herdsmen or against those seeking to come and kill us.
“I am totally behind that and I like that. Why not, Americans have that right. If we had that long time ago, the killings we are witnessing now would not have the kind of atrocities being committed all over the country.
“Insecurity is not limited to the South-West; you will be surprised at what is going on in the North. But the best way is for the government to rise up and defend us; that is why we pay them.”
Fani-Kayode further noted that Igboho had no problem with law abiding Fulani or any other tribe whatsoever that are living in the South-West but was against criminal herdsmen that must stop their activities or be flushed out.
He also described Igboho as a freedom fighter who was ready to collaborate with anyone who wants the region to be at peace.
