Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate now with the African Democratic Congress, has called on the government to consider licensing firearms if it fails to protect Nigerians amid escalating insecurity.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Monday, November 24, Rhodes-Vivour cited recent abductions in Kwara, Ogun, Kebbi, and Niger states as evidence of systemic security failures.
“This is not just about the north. We have seen abductions in Kwara and Ogun States over the weekend.
“Destruction of institutions and the loss of public trust make people lose hope in government. I’m talking about this situation now because of the failure of the government that we found ourselves in, and in this failure, if the government cannot sit up, then they should start considering licensing firearms,” he said.
He warned that citizens may have no choice but to defend themselves if security agencies continue to falter.
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“If people do not believe the judiciary will deliver justice, or that the police will protect lives, they must act. If the military leaves and terrorists immediately kidnap and kill, people will have to defend themselves,” Rhodes-Vivour added.
Describing government inaction as “wickedness,” he urged authorities to prioritise human lives over political ambitions, asking, “How many people must die before action becomes reality?” He noted, “If I were in government, I would focus on protecting lives, not only the next election.”
Rhodes-Vivour also questioned the credibility of a firearm-licensing programme under current leadership.
“The way they manage security leaves room for doubt, conspiracy, and a credibility crisis,” he said, criticising the administration for focusing on electioneering over citizen safety. He dismissed ongoing negotiations with terrorists as “unsustainable” and ineffective.
The debate over self-defence is intensifying nationwide. Retired General T.Y. Danjuma previously urged communities to protect themselves, while the DSS suggested licensed vigilantes.
Currently, Nigerian law prohibits civilians from owning automatic weapons. The 1959 Firearms Act allows licences only for certain non-assault firearms under strict regulation.