Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo, says he will explore the
constitution on legally procuring arms to boost the efforts of the state’s
security outfit.
Earlier, Akeredolu had said Ondo will procure arms for
operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun.
He had said if the federal government can allow a security
outfit in Katsina to carry arms, then Amotekun should be granted the same
right.
But the presidency had said no state has been authorised to
procure automatic weapons for its security outfit.
Replying in a statement on Wednesday by Richard Olatunde,
his spokesman, Akeredolu said the reasons given by the presidency for the
continued refusal to approve the use of sophisticated weapons by state security
outfits “can no longer be plausible in the face of increasing security
challenges being faced by the people”.
He said the presidency’s assertions on the use of automatic
weapons by state security outfits betray the current realities across the
country.
“His attempt to justify the use of AK47 by the Vigilantes of
Katsina State for training stands logic on its head,” the statement reads.
“The report by the TVC News that went viral showed the
Kastina State Vigilante training with AK47. This is the same weapon which
approval has vehemently been refused for the use of Amotekun Corps and other
State Security Outfits.
“The questions Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, asks
are: Where did the guns come from? Who approved their use? Were the guns
returned to the armoury after use? The AK47, as seen from the TVC news report,
was about usage. If not, what purpose does training with the guns serve?
“It is rather suspicious that Garba Shehu elected himself as
the spokesperson for the Kastina State government, whereas, the Katsina State
has not come out openly to deny the statement of Governor Akeredolu on the use
of AK47 by Vigilantes of Katsina State during training.
“Governor Akeredolu has reiterated that State Security
outfits backed by law whether in the Western Nigeria, Katsina, Borno, Benue or
any Northern State must have access to the same sophisticated weapons that the
criminals have. It time to face down these enemies of the people.
“It is illogical to continue to fight hardened marauders who
bear sophisticated weaponry to kidnap and maim our people with bare hands. We
cannot fight armed enemies of the people with our bare hands.
“It is our firm belief that the government has a fundamental
duty to protect the people. It is a task that must be accomplished without
excuse.
“Governor Akeredolu is determined to spare no efforts in
protecting the people. He has vowed to explore every available legal and
constitutional means to secure the state and its people.”
He added that the southern governors forum, the northern
state governors, as well as their traditional rulers council have supported the
call for state police.
“Every Governor swore
to an oath to protect the state and the people. The sub-national must be
allowed to put in place security forces as a counter-balancing force to face
these marauders who have unchecked access to sophisticated weapons,” he said.
“It is high time we tackled these conflict entrepreneurs and
restore the confidence of the people. We cannot do the same thing time and
again and expect different result.
“Governor Akeredolu
is irrevocably committed to the security of the people, particularly his state.
He will continue to speak up in defence of the people. He is very much
committed to the realisation of constitutional amendment to reflect the current
realities.”
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