NATFORCE DG Condemns Buhari’s National Centre for Control of Small Arms, Light Weapons:
The Director General National Taskforce on the Prohibition of Illegal Importation/Smuggling of Arms,Ammunition, Light Weapons, Chemical Weapon and Pibe-line Vandalism(NATFORCE) Chief Osita Okereke has voiced his displeasure over the establishment of a National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons announced yesterday by the National Security Adviser to President Buhari, Major General Shettima Munguno (rtd.) and urged his members to disregard the move in its entirety.
In a strongly worded Press Statement made available to journalists today in Abuja, Chief Okereke described the emergence of a National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons as illegal, invitation to anarchy and confusion.
He noted that the Bill to establish a National Commission for the Prohibition of of Illegal importation of Arms ,Ammunition and Light Weapons which he personally sponsored has passed second reading at the National Assembly and accused the Presidency of trying to smuggle another agency through the back door.
While further kicking against President Buhari and Munguno’ National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Chief Okereke disclosed that while he is in support of any move that would curb the menace of gun runners and those importing arms and ammunition illegally into the country, the action of the Presidency contravenes the Ecowas protocol on the control of illegal arms and ammunition which according to him approved the establishment of Natforce in the sub region.
“Natforce is a creation of Ecowas. Nigeria is a signatory to the Ecowas resolution that set up Natforce. As I am speaking with you Natforce is operating in all Ecowas member countries with the exception of Nigeria.
“We are in the process of establishing Natforce in this country in accordance to the rule of law and Ecowas protocols. Any other arrangement is not acceptable. We have our men on ground and the latest move by the Presidency is portraying Nigeria as a country not serious in the fight against illegal arms and ammunition.
