The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has kicked against the return of firearms directive recently issued by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, describing the order as suspicious and absurd.

He said that even if such order would hold, it should not be extended to the South, especially South-East, where local vigilante operatives had helped a great deal in fighting hoodlums with their dane guns and pump action rifles.

He said: “I doubt if a state like Anambra has need for such directive. Anambra is one of the, if not the most secured, state in Nigeria. Why try to deprive us this security we are enjoying down here? Why ask the vigilante operatives to return their guns?

“I think they should allow reasonable and responsible individuals to own guns. Asking people to surrender their guns is to leave them at the mercy of their enemies. Such directive will be more effective in the Northeast.

“I could not believe such orders came from the IGP until I read it on the pages of newspapers. Return of firearms? What for? I don’t think it is necessary at this stage considering what you and I are passing through in this country.

“This is a country where people are killed and maimed on daily basis. Police, rather than talk about how to put a stop to the issue insecurity in the country, they are busy asking poor vigilante operatives and responsible individuals to return their firearms. I will not support such a move.”

Bishop Ezeokafor who made the statement during the second term Thanksgiving Mass of Governor Willie Obiano at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, queried the rationale behind the move.

He argued that, considering the issue of insecurity bedevilling the nation, as well as obvious police inadequacies, the country does not need what he described as an unrealistic pronouncement.

He further called on the Anambra State House of Assembly members to expedite actions in the passage of the Movement of Livestock Bill which had just passed a second reading.

The prelate added: “I see no reason why cattle should be allowed to be causing havoc in many parts of the country. These cattle herders were doing their business for now. They are making millions on daily basis.

“It is never a state or federal government’s business. It is a private business. Why ask us to provide land for ranching? Can same be done for the Igbo traders? Would they be given plots of land to site their businesses? If no, why ask us to provide land for Fulani herdsmen?”

Ezeokafor lauded Governor Obiano for what he achieved in his first term as the state’s helmsman, even as he urged him to maintain the tempo.

In his speech, the state Governor, Willie Obiano assured Anambra people of quality service delivery adding that his second term in office is for the fulfilment of his promises when he he came into power four years ago.

Dignitaries at the church service included the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan See of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Most Rev. Valerian Okeke; Catholic bishop of Nnewi Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Hilary Odili Okeke; His Lordship Most Rev. Peter Ebere Okpalaeke; Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye; Auxiliary bishop of Onitsha, His Lordship Most Rev. Dennis Isizoh; Awka Diocesan chancellor, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Francis Chidume; Bishop's Secretary, Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Monwe; Monsignor Jerome Madueke; deputy chancellor, Rev. Fr. Anthony Ezeokeke.

Others were the speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Rita Maduagwu; the national chairman of APGA, Ozo Victor Ike Oye; the Anambra State president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ichie Damian Okeke-Ogene; Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Sen. Victor Umeh, among others.

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