The governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has taken on the federal government on its claim that it never approved arms to some state security outfits in the country.
Recall that the governor had, during the passing out of Southwest Security Network, codenamed ‘Amotekun’, said its personnel must be allowed to bear appropriate tools and weapons to curb marauders committing heinous crimes against humanity.
He asserted 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 marauders possess.
He vowed to arm the Amotekun personnel with AK-47 rifles to ensure adequate security for the state in light of threats posed by terrorists in the state.
Presidential spokesman, Mr. Garba Shehu reacted saying President Muhammadu Buhari had repeatedly made it clear that nobody is allowed to illegally carry AK-47 or any other automatic weapons and that they must surrender them.
“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,” he said.
Responding, the governor in a release issued in Akure by his spokesman, Mr. Richard Olatunde, Akeredolu said Shehu’s submission restraining state security outfits from bearing automatic weapons, was no longer tenable in the face of increasing security challenges being faced by the people.
“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 AK-47 (pump action rifle) by the vigilantes of Katsina for training stands logic on its head.
“The report by TVC News that went viral showed the Kastina vigilantes training with AK47. This is the same weapon, which approval has vehemently been refused for use by Amotekun Corps and other state security outfits.
“Where did the guns come from? Who approved their use? Were the guns returned to the armoury after use? The AK-47, 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 Shehu elected himself as the spokesperson for the Kastina State government. Whereas, Katsina has not come out openly to deny the statement of Akeredolu on the use of AK-47,” he said.
The governor reiterated that state security outfits backed by law, whether in Western Nigeria, Katsina, Benue, Borno, like the Civilian JTF 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. 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.”
Akeredolu expressed their determination to spare no effort in protecting the people, stressing that he will explore every available legal and constitutional means to secure the state and its people.
“The Southern Governors’ Forum has called for the establishment of state police. The 19 northern state governors and northern traditional rulers’ council have also supported the call for state police.
“The call by the sub-national should be heeded and change effected where necessary. 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.
“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 a different result,” the governor.
