A former minister of aviation Femi Fani-Kayode on Thursday visited activist Sunday Adeyemo alias Sunday Igboho at the activist’s residence in Ibadan.
During the visit, Mr Fani-Kayode called for Nigerians to be licensed to carry sophisticated arms like AK-47 if Fulani herdsmen are permitted to secure themselves with the same type of weapon.
The ex-minister urged Nigerians to defend themselves against kidnappers and killers as canvassed by the minister of defence Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi (retd).
“The Bauchi State governor said a few days ago that Fulani herdsmen should be allowed to carry AK-47, but I disagree with him on that, but that is his own opinion,” said Fani-Kayode.
“If you go by that principle, it makes absolute sense that if Fulani herdsmen are allowed to carry AK-47 to defend their cows and their lives if they feel threatened, then it is also logical that farmers, local people and each one of us to also have that right to defend ourselves against Fulani herdsmen or against those seeking to come and kill us.
“I am totally behind that and I like that. Why not, Americans have that right. If we had that long time ago the killings we are witnessing now would not have the kind of atrocities being committed all over the country.
“Insecurity is not limited to the South-West; you will be surprised at what is going on in the North. But the best way is for the government to rise up and defend us; that is why we pay them.”
He said Sunday Igboho was not against law-abiding Fulani or any person from anywhere living in the south-west, but his position was that criminal herdsmen must stop their criminal activities or be sent out of the region.
