The former Lagos State governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour (GRV), says the federal government should license firearms for citizens so they can defend themselves against terrorists.
The former candidate, who has since moved to the African Democratic Party (ADC), argued that issuing licences for self-defence has become necessary because the government has not been able to secure the country.
Speaking on Channels Television’s programme, ‘The Morning Brief’, on Monday, Rhodes-Vivour said insecurity is no longer limited to the north, noting that other parts of the country are now experiencing similar threats.
“This is not just about the north. We have seen abductions in Kwara and Ogun states over the weekend,” he said.
He added that the destruction of institutions and declining public trust have caused people to lose faith in government.
Rhodes-Vivour said he is raising the issue because the government has failed in its responsibility, insisting that if it cannot improve security, it should begin considering “licensing firearms”.
His position comes amid a recent surge in terrorist attacks on schools and worship centres.
The former LP candidate said the inability of the government to safeguard lives and property will push Nigerians toward seeking long-term solutions through self-defence.
“If people do not believe the judiciary will deliver justice, or that the police will protect lives, they must act,” he said.
He noted that if security forces withdraw from an area and terrorists immediately resume attacks, people will inevitably need to protect themselves.
He described it as “wicked” to expect citizens to remain vulnerable when the government has failed to provide adequate security.
Rhodes-Vivour urged authorities to uphold their constitutional duty of protecting citizens, questioning how many lives must be lost before decisive action is taken.
He stressed that the government should prioritise security over preparations for the 2027 general election.
“If I were in government, I would focus on protecting lives, not only the next election,” he said.
He added that the handling of security creates suspicion, conspiracy theories, and questions about credibility.
According to him, the government appears more focused on electoral politics than on improving the lives of Nigerians.
He also criticised negotiations with bandits, describing the approach as unsustainable.
Rhodes-Vivour condemned the worsening security climate and accused President Bola Tinubu’s government of failing to demonstrate value for human life.