- Says security outfit will be armed and backed by law
Banji Ayoola
Chairman of South West Governors Forum and Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has justified why the local security outfit of states in the region, Amotekun, must bear sophisticated weapons like its counterpart in the North.
Asserting that the State Security outfits backed by law whether in Western Nigeria, Katsina, Borno, Benue, any Northern state, or any Region must have access to the same sophisticated weapons that the marauders have in order to meet force with force and fight like with like.
He said that reasonable, lawful available and affordable weapons are necessary to protect the people of the region and their properties from criminals who have been unleashing terror with incalculable horrific casualties on his helpless people and as such on humanity.
The governor, who spoke at the Passing-Out Parade of Courses 3 and 4 of the State Amotekun Corps at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Igbatoro Road, Akure, the state capital, on Monday, stressed that the incontestable authority of the state must be imposed in the country which is under threat by brazen conflict entrepreneurs and armed, audacious non-state actors.
Vowing that his administration will continue to support the operational capacity of all security agencies in the State both in terms of equipment and welfare of their personnel, he stressed that the passing out ceremony is a reminder of the need to strategise and tackle the current security situation, which he said has been left to snowball into existential crises across Nigeria.
He averred that the commitment of his administration to the safety and welfare of the people of the State and investors remains unshaken and charged the new officers to do nothing that will soil the image of Amotekun Corps, adding that much is expected from them.
He charged: “The key guiding principles which you must adhere to at all times include spartan discipline, zero-tolerance to bribery and abuse of power, prompt response to distress calls and display of professionalism in the discharge of your duties. No form of misconduct shall be tolerated.”
The Governor, who noted that the current internal security framework in the country is ineffectual, submitted that the response of the subnationals by setting up their own outfits is welcome, necessary, and has become indispensable.
His words: ”The Western Nigeria Security Network, AMOTEKUN CORPS, as a response, is now not just the first line of defence, but the ultimate bulwark in the protection of a way of life and of a civilization.
“The efforts of our determined and valiant Amotekun personnel since inception must be underscored, encouraged and highly commended. We must all rise at this time to acknowledge their efforts.
“On our parts, we will continue to support the operational capacity of all security agencies in the State both in terms of equipment and the welfare of their personnel.
“The recent donation of 50-fitted patrol vehicles is a testament to our resolve to be up-to-date in fighting crime and criminality because without a secured environment, there can never be visible and sustained development.
“The Amotekun Corps must be given the tools to carry out its now pivotal, indispensable duties. For centuries, we have been admonished that “a bad workman blames his tools.” In the case of Amotekun Corps, the workman is expected to function without good tools.
“It is not only absurd, but also a dereliction of duty and a cause of disaffection. Dissatisfaction is induced by a feeling of unfairness. The crises in the conventional wisdom is life-threatening and nationwide. Therefore, it is unacceptable if the state sanctions differing rules of engagement for different sub-national governments.
“Without providing the sub-national security forces to be a counter-balancing force we have a crisis which strikes at the heart of the conception and the definition of the state itself. It is not just the definition of the State, the State itself is under existential threat.
“The modern state is defined by Treaties. The conception of the modern state beatified by these treaties gives it “an incontestable monopoly of the means of violence, intimidation and coercion.
“Those passing out today have undergone rigorous training at great expense to the state. The training will not end here it will be continuous. However, no amount of training will mask the debilitation of fighting with one arm tied against implacable foes.
“Amotekun must therefore be armed and will be armed and be backed by law. Otherwise, the training will be inadequate and we will be placing the lives of these great patriots in danger.”
In their separate goodwill messages, the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo and the chairman of Idanre local government, Prince Kayode Aroloye, saluted the courage of Akeredolu, which has ensured improved security of lives and property of the citizens through the establishment of Amotekun Corps.
In attendance among others were the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; members of Ondo State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun; Chief Judge of the state represented by the High Court Registrar, Bolatito Ajibade; State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Engnr Ade Adetimehin; Commander, Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye; members of the State Executive Council led by Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; traditional rulers; Heads of security agencies; local government chairmen; and religious leaders.
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