Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum Rotimi Akeredolu has warned the Federal Government that its inability to secure life and property would soon leave citizens with no choice but to arm themselves in self defence.
Akeredolu, who is delivering the keynote address at the opening of the ongoing Attorneys-General of the 36 States, said the police were overwhelmed.
The Ondo Governor lamented the police blamed non-availabilty of vehicles for their inability to mobilise to the scene of the recent Owo attack.
The Governor asked the Police to “close shop” if the Federal Government could not meet its equipment needs.
“The Police have failed,” Akeredolu said.
He argued the mass killings, kidnappings and other serious security failures around the country had shown that a central police command was ineffective to keep Nigerians safe.
Other speakers are the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami (SAN), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Olumide Akpata and Director-General of the Nigerian Governor’s Forum, Asishana Okauru.
Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Simon Lalong (Plateau) are expected to speak at the meeting.
Akeredolu lamented the Federal Government’s security failure had put Nigerians in danger.
Addressing AGF, he said: “We will carry arms very soon. Oga Malami. There is no other way.”
The Governor further challenged states to restructure the country by, among others, setting up their own anti-graft agencies.
The meeting is ongoing.