The House of Representatives may soon pass a Bill for Act, to permit Nigerians from the age of eighteen, to carry arms for self-defence Vanguard reports.
To that end, a bill entitled: “Firearms Amendment Bill,” has already been sponsored by Honourable Adejoro Adeogun.
The bill states in section 2 subsection 3, that “Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), a person shall be entitled to the grant of a license or permit under this Act if, at the time of application, the person: at least eighteen years of age”. and “has a psychological evaluation certificate from a government hospital not more than six months, has a vision quality certificate from a government hospital not more than six months, has a police clearance certificate not more than twelve months, has a rifle club membership of at least six months and a firearms proficiency certificate issued by the club, and has a national identification number”.
The Bill also demands that the bearer “Has a National Identification Number (NIN) issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)”, adding that “The Inspector General of Police, shall maintain a manual and an e-register of such permits in force”.
The Bill also states that “The Inspector General of Police, may, with the consent of the Governor of the State, grant a permit to any person to carry on the business of manufacture and repair of the firearms referred to in Part III of the Schedule to this Act”.
The bill seeks a jail sentence of at least 2 years for offences to the law.
“Section 35 (2) of the Principal Act, is amended by substituting for the words, one thousand naira or imprisonment for two years, the words seventy-five thousand or imprisonment of not less than 2 years”.
It is worthwhile to note that the development flies in the face of President Muhammadu Buhari’s order to security services to shoot any civilian bearing arms.
There has been calls for Nigerians to bear arms as the Government seems incapable of battling widespread insecurity in the nation.
Prominent individuals demanding that Nigerians should bear arms include Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and the Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), Professor Itse Sagay.
