Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has said the Amotekun Corps must be allowed to bear tools and sophisticated weapons available to fight back against marauders committing crimes against humanity.
Governor Akeredolu explained that the incontestable authority of the state must be imposed in the country which is under threat by brazen conflict entrepreneurs and armed, audacious non-state actors.
He asserted that the 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 marauders have.
The Governor vowed that his administration will continue to support the operational capacity of all security agencies in the state both in terms of equipment and the welfare of their personnel.
Speaking at the passing-out parade of courses 3 and 4 of the state Amotekun Corps at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Igbatoro Road, Akure on Monday, Akeredolu emphasised that the passing out ceremony is a reminder of the need to strategize and tackle the current security situation which he said has been left to snowball into existential crises across Nigeria.
“The key guiding principles which you must adhere to at all times include spartan discipline, zero-tolerance to bribery and abuse of power, prompt response to distress calls and display of professionalism in the discharge of your duties. No form of misconduct shall be tolerated.” He stressed.
The Governor, who noted that the current internal security framework in the country is ineffectual, submitted that the response of the subnational by setting up their outfits is welcome, necessary, and has become indispensable.
Governor Akeredolu said:” The western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun Corps, as a response, is now not just the first line of defence, but the ultimate bulwark in the protection of a way of life and civilization.’’
