Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Professor Joy Ezeilo, says it is disheartening to read about the looting of the Abuja warehouse belonging to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
She lamented that the severe hunger and extreme poverty faced by many poor and vulnerable Nigerians could push them towards criminal activities.
Ezeilo, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said that though there is hunger in the land it was not enough for people to take laws into their hands.
According to her: “The lesson for Nigerians in these challenging and desperate times is that stealing is a crime, and if caught, you will be held accountable according to our Penal Laws.
“Unfortunately, the poor have limited choices and often must choose between a rock and a hard place.
“Notwithstanding, stealing and converting goods and food shouldn’t be an option.”
She stressed the need for government at all levels to work in partnership with non-profit organisations and the private sector to consider implementing “food banks, food stamps, and other social security and safety net options to provide food for the poor and most vulnerable Nigerians.”
“This is especially important for children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly,” she said.