Our nation has seen a lot of strange events and now another is set to be added to the mix as a bill called “An Act to Establish Dangerous Weapons To Provide for the Prohibitions of Possession of Dangerous Weapons Intended to be Used for Unlawful Purposes and for Related Matters” is underway in the House of Representatives.
The bill is being sponsored by Hon. Ossai Nicholas (PDP, Delta) and will allow worshippers in religious places to possess firearms.
However, it gives an exception to situations where individuals will not be authorized to carry such weapons in a section of the proposed law. It reads:
“Act does not apply to the following activities: possession of dangerous weapons in pursuit of any law enforcement, duty or activity; possession of dangerous weapons during the participation in any religious or cultural activities, or lawful sport, recreation or entertainment or legitimate or lawful collection, display of exhibition of weapons”
It also stops those considered to be in unlawful possession of firearms from carrying them:
“Any person who is in possession of dangerous weapons (firearms) under circumstances which may raise a reasonable suspicion that the person intends to use the dangerous weapon for any unlawful purpose, is guilty of an offense and liable on conviction for a period not exceeding three years”
It is a wonder that such a bill is even being considered with so many tragic incidents traceable to firearms in the country and the world at large.
Whatever the outcome, we can only hope it is for the good of Nigerians.
