Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, has faulted the self-defence directive of the Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle.
The vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Abuja on Thursday, condemned Matawalle’s decision to allow residents of his state to bear arms in self-defence against terrorists.
Okowa spoke to State House correspondents after he met Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in his office at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
On Matawalle’s proposition for state citizens to take up arms, he faulted the idea, saying, though birthed out of frustration, it would have telling consequences for the overall security of the region.
“I think they need critical thinking because you have to also be in a position to examine the recommendations being made. When recommendations are made and you have not thought through them in full about the consequences of such, then it is also a problem.
“It is out of frustration that such recommendations are being made, no doubt. But when you ask everybody to carry guns, you must ask yourself, are Nigerians in the mindset where every single individual can carry his own gun? You will be surprised that with every little argument people will just snuff themselves out.
“It’s a cause for concern when we hear that kind of recommendation. But the real thing is people are frustrated and he (Governor Matawalle) is also frustrated to the extent that he thinks that is the way to go. I don’t think that is the best recommendation at the moment,” he said.
