No Going Back On Getting AK-47s For Amotekun In Ondo, Akeredolu Replies Presidency
THE Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, of Ondo State, on Wednesday, September 28 responded to the Presidency on the use of automatic weapons for regional and state security outfits.
The Presidency on Tuesday, in a statement by Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said it had not granted approval for the use of arms and ammunition for any state or regional security outfit, adding that no state has been authorised to procure automatic weapons for their security outfits.
The Presidency also said only the National Security Adviser (NSA) was empowered to authorise the use of arms and ammunition by security outfits, following proper clearance by the President and Commander-In-Chief.
But reacting Akeredolu, through his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, asked the federal government where the guns seen with Katsina State vigilantes in a viral video came from, querying: “Who approved their use? Were the guns returned to the armoury after use?”
In the statement, titled, ‘Akeredolu resolve is to spare no effort in protecting the people,’ the governor said the reasons adduced by Shehu for the continued refusal to approve of 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 reiterated his determination to go to any length to protect the people of his state, exploring all available legal and constitutional means to secure the state and its people.
The governor noted that Shehu’s assertion on the use of automatic weapons by state security outfits betrays the current realities across the country, adding: “His attempt to justify the use of AK-47 by the vigilantes of Katsina State for training stands logic on its head.
“The report that went viral showed the Katsina 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 Rotimi Akeredolu 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 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 Katsina State Government, whereas the Katsina State has not come out openly to deny the statement of Akeredolu on the use of AK47 by vigilantes of Katsina State during training.
“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.
“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.”
The statement recalled that the Southern Nigeria Governors Forum, 19 Northern State Governors and Northern Traditional Rulers Council had at various times and fora, called for the establishment of state police in the country, which it said 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 different result.
“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,” the statement said.
