Politics
Amotekun corp: Akeredolu signs bill into law
Rotimi Akeredolu SAN
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Wednesday signed the Ondo State Security Network Agency, otherwise known as Amotekun Corp, Bill 2020 into law.
The corps, which was coordinated by Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) was launched in Ibadan in January by the six South West governors.
While signing the bill, Akeredolu explained that the outfit was strictly for the security of lives and properties of residents of Ondo State, stressing that it would not be used for political purposes.
“It will be wrong for anybody to call on the corps if they have political crises, call the police instead, they are in charge.
“The Amotekun corps will strictly be deployed for security. Members are to work with the Police on matters related, but not limited, to kidnapping, farmers/herdsmen clashes, sea piracy, and others,” he said.
The governor also said the corps was set up to collaborate with existing security efforts, and not to compete with them.
He expressed the belief that there could not be an end to the nature of security outfits to be provided for the people
According to him, the corps has no party coloration or barrier because all the governors in the South West region work together to protect their people regardless of party differences.
“We could not wait indefinitely for the issues of community policing to be resolved before we do what is needed to secure our peoples lives and properties.
“The Amotekun corps was born out of necessity. Anything can happen in the country that could warrant beefing up security or need for a particular agency to support an existing one.
“It is a dynamic thing. There is no way a policing or security system can be enough in the nation where everything can change at any time,” he said.
Earlier, Hon. Bamidele Oleyeloogun, Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, congratulated the governor, and described the event as another milestone in the history of the state.
He said that Amotekun corps was a result of the genuine concern of the governors in the South West region for protection of lives and properties of the people.
“They took the bull by the horn, and ensured that they provided adequate security. I also commend members of the House for the speedy passage of the bill,” he said.
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