Nollywood actress, screenwriter, and film producer Ruth Kadiri has triggered intense national conversation across social media after calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to legalize firearms, urging the administration to grant responsible Nigerian citizens the constitutional right to bear arms for self-defense.
The filmmaker’s blunt appeal comes against the backdrop of persistent, deeply worrying security gaps across the federation, most notably highlighted by the recent waves of rural banditry and targeted kidnappings in neighboring regions. Taking to her verified digital platforms, Kadiri voiced the growing frustration shared by millions of ordinary Nigerians who feel increasingly exposed to hostile non-state actors.
The multi-award-winning movie producer argued that since the state’s security architecture is facing immense strain, it is only fair to empower law-abiding citizens with the physical means to protect their households, businesses, and communities from violent predators. Expressing absolute exasperation with the status quo, Kadiri stated:
“If the government cannot guarantee our absolute safety in our homes and on the highways, then give us the power to defend ourselves. Allow law-abiding Nigerians to legally own firearms. We cannot continue to be sitting ducks for criminals who are armed to the teeth while the average citizen is left completely defenseless. The current system only protects the oppressor and leaves the innocent vulnerable.”
The actress’s direct, no-nonsense challenge to the presidency has completely polarized public opinion:
- Supporters have strongly validated her stance, referencing instances where vulnerable agrarian communities were left defenseless against armed invaders. They argue that a controlled “right to carry” policy could serve as a powerful deterrent against community kidnappings and highway raids.
- Critics and Security Experts have countered with severe caution, warning that introducing more weapons into a highly volatile macroeconomic environment could dangerously backfire. Opponents maintain that legalizing firearms would likely trigger an uncontrollable surge in gun violence, accidental shootings, and vigilante reprisal attacks, arguing instead that the presidency should focus entirely on decentralizing security through state policing and overhauling intelligence infrastructure.
While Aso Rock has yet to issue an official response to the viral appeal, Kadiri’s statement has firmly thrust the sensitive debate surrounding civilian gun rights and community-led self-defense back to the absolute forefront of Nigeria’s political discourse.
