Akeredolu says Amotekun must be given arms to carry out Its duties, “there is no state, not Katsina, has been authorized to procure automatic weapons for their security outfits _ FG

Chairman of South-west Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, on Monday, insisted that state security outfits in the country, backed by law must have access to sophisticated weapons to combat insecurity.

Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, a second-term governor and the Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum explained that the incontestable authority of the state must be imposed in the country, which was being threatened by brazen conflict entrepreneurs as well as armed and audacious non-state actors.

He spoke in Akure at the Passing-Out Parade of Courses 3 and 4 of the State Amotekun Corps.

He reasoned that state security outfits backed by law, whether in western Nigeria, Katsina, Borno, Benue or any northern state, must have access to the same sophisticated weapons that the marauders had. He said his administration would 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 governor emphasised that the passing out ceremony was a reminder of the need to strategise and tackle the current security situation, which he said had been left to snowball into existential crises across Nigeria. He stated that the commitment of his administration to the safety and welfare of the people of the state and investors remained unshaken.

Akeredolu told the officers, “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.”

Akeredolu noted that the current internal security framework in the country was ineffectual. He submitted that the response of the sub-nationals by setting up their own outfits was welcome and necessary.

“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 civilisation.

“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 part, 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 crisis 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.”

He added, “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”.

According to the governor, “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.”

Akeredolu added that Amotekun “must therefore be armed and will be armed and be backed by law, otherwise, the training will be inadequate and will mean placing the lives of the corps in danger.”

But the Presidency has refuted claims that some states have been authorised to buy automatic weapons for their security outfits.

Presidential media aide Garba Shehu on Tuesday, said “there is no state, not Katsina, not any other state in the federation, that has been authorized to procure automatic weapons for their security outfits.

“Under this administration, the President has repeatedly made it clear that nobody is allowed to illegally carry AK-47 or any other automatic weapons and that they must surrender them.”

The media aide noted in a statement that “Where they fail to do so, the law enforcement agencies have been given clear directives to deal with any such outlaws.

“Under the existing regulations, only the Office of the National Security Adviser can issue such authorization, upon proper clearance by the President and Commander-in-Chief and as it is at this moment, no such approvals have been issued to any state government.”

He explained that “in the specific Katsina State often cited, the Governor, Aminu Bello Masari wrote to explain that the administration invited the Provost of the Civil Defence Training College in Katsina to train their Vigilantes for a five-day period ‘in the handling and operations of Pump Action Rifles,’ emphasizing that ‘the Vigilantes were not trained to take over the responsibilities of the security agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria but to assist them.’

“The Presidency appreciates the active involvement of states with security matters. As they continue to expand their capabilities as well as their active collaboration with law enforcement agencies of the federation, the joint efforts continue to yield good results, thwarting attempts of terrorists to wreak havoc and destruction on communities.”

Meanwhile, Akeredolu has been named as one of the recipients of the 2022 National Honour Award of the Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON by President Muhammadu Buhari.

This was contained in a letter from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs signed by the Minister, Senator George Akume.

The Minister in the letter, which read in parts, said: “I have the honour to formally inform you that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has approved the conferment of the National Honours on you, in the rank of CON (Commander of the Order of the Niger).

“The investiture ceremony is scheduled to take place at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja on Tuesday, 11th October 2022 at 9:00 am”