The Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, Monday, expressed his commitment to equipping the South-West Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, for the effective operation of the corps in securing the lives and property of the people of the region.
The governor of Ondo State declared that the Amotekun corps would be armed with sophisticated weapons and the step would be backed up with all necessary legal means, in order not to place the lives of the personnel in danger while on duty.
The governor stated this at the passing-out parade of courses three and four of the state’s Amotekun Corps held in Akure, the state capital.
According to the governor, Amotekun Corps must be allowed to bear the tools and the most sophisticated weapons available to fight back against marauders committing crimes against humanity.
He 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 of a civilisation.
“The efforts of our determined and valiant Amotekun personnel, since inception, must be underscored, encouraged and highly commended. We must all rise at this time to acknowledge their efforts.
“On our parts, we 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. The recent donation of 50-fitted patrol vehicles is a testament to our resolve to be up-to-date in fighting crime and criminality because without a secured environment, there can never be visible and sustained development.
“The Amotekun Corps must be given the tools to carry out its now pivotal, indispensable duties. For centuries, we have been admonished that a bad workman blames his tools. In the case of Amotekun Corps, the workman is expected to function without good tools.
“It is not only absurd, but also a dereliction of duty and a cause of disaffection.
“Dissatisfaction is induced by a feeling of unfairness. The crises in the conventional wisdom is life-threatening and nationwide. Therefore, it is unacceptable if the state sanctions differing rules of engagement for different sub-national governments.
“Without providing the sub-national security forces to be a counter-balancing force, we have a crisis which strikes at the heart of the conception and the definition of the state itself. It is not just the definition of the state, the state itself is under existential threat.
“The modern state is defined by treaties. The conception of the modern state beatified by these treaties gives it an incontestable monopoly of the means of violence, intimidation and coercion. Those passing out today have undergone rigorous training at great expense to the state. The training will not end here, it will be continuous. However, no amount of training will mask the debilitation of fighting with one arm tied against implacable foes.
“Amotekun must therefore be armed and will be armed and be backed by law. Otherwise, the training will be inadequate and we will be placing the lives of these great patriots in danger.”
Speaking to the new officers, Akeredolu urged them to refrain from involving in the acts that could soil the image of the corps, saying much was expected from them.
“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.
In his goodwill messages, the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo, commended the governor for his courage to ensure improved security of lives and property of the citizens of the state through the establishment of Amotekun Corps.
Credit: Punch