Allow Us To Strengthen Amotekun, Southwest Governors Tell Fed Govt

Southwest governors have called on the Federal Government to strengthen the security outfits in the six states in the zone.

The outfits are christened Operation Amotekun in the states.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who dropped the hint, said modern-day security requires sophisticated weapons like pump action to combat criminal elements wielding AK47 and M15 as against the dane guns (locally known as ‘shakabula’ ) being used by the Amotekun corps.

The hint was contained in his goodwill message at the opening of the Law Week 2021 of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan Branch, which held at the Aare Afe Babalola Bar Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

Speaking through the Oyo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Oyelowo Oyewo, the governor explained that tackling insecurity at the state and local level has been challenging.

According to him, Southwest governors have resolved to call on the federal government on the need to review the constitution to allow for more powers to the state governors in their capacities as the Chief Security Officers of their respective states.

He said: “In the provision of security in the Southwest which led to the Western Nigerian Security Network and particularly the state creation of Amotekun in each of the five western states even though In Lagos it is known as Neighbourhood Watch.

‘Moreover, the states have been challenged with playing their role of providing security under the present constitutional practices because of the centralisation of the security powers in the national government.

“Agreed, it is believed that law can play a role particularly in looking at the fundamental documents, that is, the constitution that places this power in the central government by looking at the reality of the necessity for states to play a role in allowing the state executive to be, not only chief executive but also chief security provider in each of their states.

“Moreover, with the recent experience in Oyo State, it has become necessary to call upon the Federal Government to recognized the need to upgrade the capacity of Amotekun in providing security because in Oyo State, Amotekun has become the first responder and this was demonstrated during the jailbreak in Oyo where Amotekun corps suffered a lot of loss of lives because there was a disparity between the fire power of the Amotekun and the criminals that they faced and it led to loss of lives of their operatives.

“The Southwest governors have resolved to call upon the federal government to allow for the increased capacity so that they can be meaningful role being played by Amotekun in the provision of security.

“The era of facing people with AK47 and M15 with ‘Shakabula’ or pump action is in modern time a ridiculous scenario.

“Therefore, Amotekun must be allowed to play the role that it can provide security because as of today, the presence of Amotekun in all areas of Oyo State has brought about improved security that is being enjoyed today.

“Then, looking at the sustainable security in Nigeria and the rule of law, we recognise also the role of lawyers. Indeed, the real heart of government is the preserve of lawyers and that is the judiciary.”

The event with the theme ”Unity in Diversity and Sustainable Security in Nigeria: Any Role for the law?”, held under the chairmanship of Mr Eyitayo Jegede while Joe-Kyari Gadzama gave the keynote speech.