Ndigbo Reacts to Masari on Arms Comment

The apex social, cultural Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has reacted to the Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, that every citizen residing in the state should acquire arms to protect themselves from continuous attacks by bandits.

The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. George Obiozor, said for the Governor to make such comments is an indication that governance of confusion is complete in the country.

“With that proposal, the problem of Nigeria is getting confused. With that, governance of confusion is complete,” Obiozor said.

Meanwhile, Ohanaeze spokesman Chief Alex Ogbonnia had said the call for self-defence by Masari was inappropriate and a dangerous trend. He called on Governor Masari to give adequate security for the state’s people instead of asking them to bear arms and defend themselves against bandits.

In a separate reaction, Igbo elite body, Alaigbo Development Foundation, ADF, has backed Masari’s call, saying that self-defence is the first law of nature.

They stated that self-defence is the first law of nature, and the Governor’s comment would be considered if the Federal Government fails to handle bandits.

“ADF believes that self-defence is the first law of nature.
“And indeed, it may not be out of place for people to look for ways of defending themselves if the Government continues to prove that it is helpless in the current state of insecurity in Nigeria.

“The acquisition of defensive measures by the masses will create a balance of forces.

“The terrorists and bandits may begin to retreat if they realise that they have no monopoly of violence,” ADF spokesman Abia Onyike said.
The Governor’s comment follows the steady rise in security challenges bevelling the state. Last week, he commented on his condolence visit to deceased families killed by customs officials in the Jibia Local Government Area.