‘License Firearms If You Can’t Protect Nigerians’ — Rhodes-Vivour Tells Tinubu

The 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), has called on the federal government to consider licensing firearms for citizens if it cannot guarantee their safety.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Rhodes-Vivour highlighted the growing insecurity and recent abductions in Kwara and Ogun States. “Destruction of institutions and loss of public trust make people lose hope in government,” he said. He argued that when citizens cannot rely on the judiciary, police, or military, they may have to defend themselves.

“The idea of governance is that we give up our rights so the government can protect lives. If the government fails, people must take action themselves,” he added, citing examples of Nigerians addressing electricity and water shortages when the state failed to provide.

Rhodes-Vivour said the government’s inability to guarantee security raises questions about alternatives for citizens. “If the government is withdrawing protection even before terrorists strike, they should start considering licensing firearms,” he stated.

He also responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that he might intervene in Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” against Islamic t+rrorists, saying it underscores the failure of Nigeria’s leadership. Rhodes-Vivour called for accountability for the military, better intelligence, proper troop equipment, and strategies to disrupt t+rrorists’ supply lines.

“It is an absolute disgrace that a foreign president had to make this statement for our leaders to sit up. Nigeria has the potential to protect itself, and we should not depend on someone else to save us,” he said, emphasizing the need for real action over performative measures.