Reps Reject Plan To Allow Firefighters Carry Guns

The House of Representatives has rejected the plan by the Federal government to allow officers and men of the fire service to carry arms.

The House stated that allowing firefighters to carry arms would not be necessary as their duties were a civil one.

It however asked the Executive Arm to increase the budgetary allocation of the Federal Fire Service to ensure that adequate infrastructure was put in place for efficient service delivery.

It also urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps to assign officers to the Federal Fire Service to accompany firefighters on emergency duties.

The rejection followed a motion captioned “Call to Discourage Arming of Personnel of the Federal Fire Service” moved by Hon. Thomas Ereyitomi, considered at Tuesday plenary.

In the motion, Ereyitomi noted the announcement by the Federal Government to present before the National Assembly a bill to repeal the Fire Service Act and grant firefighters the power to bear arms to protect the firefighters from mob attacks while carrying out their duties and responding to emergencies.

He said the announcement has caused anxiety to the public due to reckless use of firearms by those who have been licensed to use the same by their position as security agents resulting in death or grave injuries to citizens.

Adopting the motion after securing a vote of the majority of the members, the House mandated the Committee on Interior to liaise with its Committee on Appropriations to ensure adequate allocation to Federal Fire Service in the 2022 Budget and ensure proper oversight.