Insecurity: Citizens Will Soon Carry Arms, Gov Akeredolu Warns FG

Femi Ashekun/

Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has again knocked the Federal Government for its failure to secure the lives and property of Nigerians.

The governor warned that the failure of the government would soon leave citizens with no choice but to arm themselves in self-defence.

Akeredolu, who gave the warning while delivering the keynote address at the meeting of the Attorney-Generals of the 36 States of Nigeria held in Lagos, today, said the police were overwhelmed.

The governor asked the police to “close shop” if the Federal Government could not meet their equipment needs.

The damming verdict on the performance of the federal government was against the backdrop of the June 5 attack on worshippers at the St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State, by unknown gunmen, in which no fewer than 40 persons were killed.

Akeredolu said, “The Police have failed. They should close shop if FG can’t meet their equipment needs.

“They blamed non-availability of vehicles for inability to mobilise to scene of recent Owo attack.

“We will carry arms very soon, Oga Malami (the Attorney-General of the Federation). There is no other way.”

Before delivering his speech, Akeredolu asked the gathering to observe a minute’s silence for the victims of the Owo massacre.

In his address at the event, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice; Abubakar Malami (SAN), said state governors cannot continue to agitate for restructuring and state police; when they are responsible for the compromise and mismanagement of the current system.

Malami said state governors have taken over the allocations of local governments in their states; adding that they have no moral right to ask for restructuring.

“The present controversies surrounding the Paris/London Club loan refunds could have been avoided, if the NGF/state governments and ALGON, who engaged the services of consultants and contractors honoured their agreements.

“NGF and ALGON have not denied engaging the consultants and contractors on behalf of their respective states and local governments,” Malami said.

Dignitaries at the event include, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Olumide Akpata (SAN); Chairman of the Body of state Attorney Generals and Lagos State Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo and the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, amongst others.

Some of the issues the meeting will deliberate on include, the Value Tax, Paris Club Refund, the proposed amendments to the Stamp Duty Act, Pension and Gratuity for Judges and amendments to the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 as Amended.

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