Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue, has stated that if the federal government refuses to approve licence for arms for the state’s security outfit, he will get approval from his people.
On Thursday, Ortom inaugurated the first batch of personnel for the Benue community volunteer guards, the state’s security outfit.
At the inauguration, the governor said the personnel of the security agency will need to carry sophisticated weapons to enable them to tackle security challenges in the state.
Speaking on ARISE TV on Thursday night, Ortom said the use of light weapons is subjected to permission of the police, while the president has the constitutional power to approve sophisticated weapons.
The governor stated that he will apply to President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday for licence to allow the guards to carry weapons, including AK-47 and AK-49 rifles.
He, however, stated that he will do the wish of the people of the state if Buhari refuses to approve the use of such arms for the security outfit.
“The issue of AK-47, AK-49 and other weapons are the prerogative of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That is why in my inauguration speech today, I said we will seek, and by tomorrow, I’m submitting a letter to the president to grant licence for AK-47, AK49 to our community volunteer guards,â€
