Akeredolu vows to find way around federal government ban on arming Amotekun with AK47s

GOVERNOR Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has promised to ensure that the state security network agency popularly known as Amotekun is equipped with sophisticated weapons to enable it operate effectively.

Over recent years, heavily-armed Fulani herdsmen have been running riot across Nigeria, engaging in kidnapping, armed robbery and banditry. To address the problem, the governors from across the southwest geo-political zone decided to launch a regional security outfit named Amotekun, which translates to leopard in the local Yoruba language.

In early 2020, the state houses of assemblies in the six states of the southwest geo-political zone passed by-laws making Amotekun a legal and constitutional entity.  Now that Amotekun is legal, Governor Akeredolu wanted the agency to carry sophisticated firearms in Ondo State but this request was rejected by the federal government.

According to the governor, while the request was denied when it came to the Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, approval was granted to a similar request made by the Katsina State Security Outfit. He added that denying Amotekun the right to bear arms would expose the southwest to life-threatening marauders and organised crime.

Richard Olatunde, the governor's spokesman, said: ” The assertion of the senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity on the use of automatic weapons by state security outfits betrays 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 it head.

“The report by TVC News that went viral showed Kastina State vigilantes training with AK47sm which 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 asks are, where did the guns come from, who approved their use, were the guns returned to the armoury after use as seen from the TVC news report and 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 AK47s by vigilantes of Katsina State during training.

“Governor Akeredolu has reiterated 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 criminals have. It is 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 and 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 and 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 has called for the establishment of state police and the Northern State Governors and Northern Traditional Rulers Council have also supported the call. According to Mr Olatunde, Governor Akeredolu is irrevocably committed to the security of the people of his state.