Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar on Thursday said he would not be surprise if bandits and kidnappers apply for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and seek listing at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).
He described banditry and kidnapping as a major industry in Nigeria.
Atiku said this at the national dialogue and public presentation of a book, “Remaking Nigeria: Sixty years, sixty voices” at the Yar’Adua centre, Abuja.
He lamented the spate of insecurity in the country, noting that only restructuring is the way for accelerated development in the country.
“But who would have thought that our country would become a haven for kidnappers and all manner of bandits to the extent that their nefarious activities would become a major industry?
“They have been allowed to operate so openly and brazenly that it would surprise no one if they applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission and listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
“Five years ago, the Abuja – Kaduna Road was not a virtual no-go area. The South East was not a virtual war-zone, and Amotekun was not needed to protect lives and property in the South West.
“These are among the clearest evidence that the issues that were the focal point of the book that brought us here more than five years ago have become even worse.”
Atiku noted that restructuring is a must so all segments of the country must develop at their own pace.
