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From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwakwaso, has faulted the Federal Government over its approval to state governments to establish and deploy vigilante security outfits.
Kwankwaso, who bared his mind in his verified Facebook Account, observed that though the policy may have been well-intentioned, it has inadvertently facilitated the uncontrolled proliferation of small and light weapons across the country
The former Minister of Defence and chairman, Senate Committee on the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, stressed that the current ease with which arms are being circulated across the country was alarming and unacceptable
He further observed that already individuals had started taking advantage of the situation by setting up their own militia outfits with its obvious consequences on the fragile peace of the country.
He also decried the rising wave of ethnic and regional profiling of Nigerian citizens within their own country.
“In recent times, we have witnessed disturbing reports of individuals, particularly from a part of the country, being arbitrarily targeted, harassed, arrested and in some cases, tortured in other parts of the country.
“This is compounded by the growing harassment, intimidation and hate speech on social media, often fuelled by ethnic and religious jingoism. These trends pose a grave threat to national unity and cohesion.”
He urged the Federal Government to act decisively and without delay to reverse these dangerous developments before they get out of control.
He congratulated General Christopher Musa on his well-deserved appointment as Minister of Defence
He expressed confidence that with the necessary political will and support, he possessed the competence and experience to make a significant difference in restoring security and stability to the country.
