A bill seeking to create a new commission to tackle the proliferation of arms in the country has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.
The commission, when created, will remove the responsibility of tackling the proliferation, from the Nigeria Police Force.
The bill, sponsored by Mohammed Monguno, sought to domesticate the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, convention on small arms and light weapons.
The commission will be charged with coordinating and implementating the activities to combat the problem of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria in line with ECOWAS convention on light weapons.
Speaking in support of the bill, Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) said that aside the importation of weapons, local blacksmiths are contributing to the proliferation of arms, adding that the cost implication of the creation of the commission will be offset by the benefit.
He said, “If you know the implication of locally-made arms and ammunitions, you will then understand the importance of this bill.
“The contributions of local arms are more dangerous that AK 47 assault rifle, it is important to look into the activities of the local blacksmiths. No matter the cost implication, the benefit of the commission will offset the cost.”
The lawmaker from Plateau state also warned the government against parading individuals that voluntarily surrender their arms and ammunitions.
Also speaking in support of the bill, Namdas Abubakar stated that the bill has become important in the face of the inability of the police to deal with it.
“Because of the challenges the police are facing, if the police had been effective, there wont be a need for a commission, the police are currently overwhelmed. If there is a commission, then we can call on the commission. Weapons are literally everywhere,” he said.
Some members, who spoke against the bill, kicked against the creation of a commission, and canvased the creation of a special unit within the police.
Umar Bago said, “This can be done without creation of a new commission.”
Also speaking, Aminu Suleiman said that the country is at a risk of “proliferation of commission”, adding that, “We should address the issue of renumeration of police and retraining of police.”
DAILY POST reports that when the bill was finally put to vote, the “ayes” had it.
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