By Obasola Olatunde
Amid escalating insecurity and rising abductions nationwide, Gbadebo Rhodes Vivour (GRV), the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, has called on the federal government to consider allowing citizens to own firearms if it cannot ensure their safety.
Speaking on The Morning Brief on Channels Television on Monday, Rhodes Vivour said the failure of government agencies to protect citizens is eroding public trust and forcing Nigerians to take security into their own hands.
“This is not just about the north. Over the weekend, we witnessed abductions in Kwara and Ogun States. Destruction of institutions and the loss of public trust make people lose hope in government. If people no longer believe the judiciary will deliver justice, or the police will protect lives, they may have no choice but to act on their own,” Rhodes Vivour said.
Rhodes Vivour stressed that the social contract obliges governments to protect citizens. “The idea of governance is that we give up certain rights in exchange for protection and essential services. If the government fails in that duty, people must consider alternatives. Just as citizens did not wait for the government to provide electricity or water but created solutions themselves, the same logic applies to personal security.”
He argued that the government’s inability to guarantee safety has left citizens vulnerable. “If the government is withdrawing protection even before terrorists strike, then they should seriously consider licensing firearms. Citizens need to know their options in a situation where the state cannot protect them,” he said.
Reacting to U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning that he would act “guns a blazing” against terrorists in Nigeria if the government failed, Rhodes Vivour described the statement as highlighting the inadequacy of Nigeria’s leadership in protecting its citizens.
“It is an absolute disgrace that a foreign leader had to make such a statement to prompt action. We need less performative gestures and more real action holding the military accountable for failures, investing in intelligence, properly arming troops, and boosting morale,” he said.
He added that understanding terrorist financing, intelligence networks, supply lines, and surveillance gaps is critical to dismantling these groups. “We must highlight who is financing terrorism, how intelligence is being gathered, and why the security forces are consistently a step behind. These are questions that demand urgent answers,” Rhodes Vivour said.
Rhodes Vivour urged the federal government to urgently address the security challenges, stating that Nigeria, despite its potential, cannot depend on foreign intervention for its survival. “Nigerians deserve a government that protects lives and property. Anything less is unacceptable,” he stressed.
As insecurity rises across the country, including recent abductions and attacks in multiple states, Rhodes Vivour’s call comes at a time when public frustration over government inaction is mounting.
