South-West Governors explain morale behind Amotekun

Yesterday, notable South West Governors gathered in Ibadan to mark the operations of the Western Nigeria Security Network ( tagged Amotekun) as a supplementary security agency in the country.

The present Governors include Kayode Fayemi, Seyi Makinde, Rotimi Akeredolu, Dapo Abiodun represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele and finally Benedict Alabi representing Gboyega Oyetola. Governor Sanwo0Olu was however absent.

Gov. Fayemi made a noteworthy address during the ceremony that ‘Amotekun’ will in no way replace the existing security personnel but will only exist to bolster confidence in the people of their welfare.

He also categorically stated that they are not a State Policing outfit but will help combat insecurity. He made reference to the untimely death of the daughter of Pa Fasoranti who suffered an untimely death in the custody of kidnappers

Read his statements below

“As elected leaders, our primary responsibility, according to Section 14 (2) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 as amended, is the security and welfare of citizens.

“That was what informed the governors coming together to fashion out a way to complement the work of the mainstream security agencies overstretched in their efforts to arrest the menace that have afflicted the entire country,” he said.

”So, if you ask me, Amotekun is nothing but a confidence building strategy for our people in the six states of the Southwest,” he said.

According to Gov. Akeredolu, he states that 20 pick up vehicles and 100 units of motorcycles have been procured for the operations.

Governor Makinde also chimed in saying it was the collective responsibility of the Government to protect its citizens.

“What we seek to do is to keep our people safe, not fighting Nigeria but the elements among us that seek to destabilise our region.

“As governors of these states, it is our priority to ensure that both indigenes and settlers living within the boundaries of our various states carry out their legitimate activities in a secure environment.

“The security of their lives and properties should be of paramount importance,” he said