Hundreds of youths from Ondo State including socio-cultural groups converged on MKO Abiola Democracy Park, in Akure, the state capital, to throw their weight behind the Western Nigerian Security Network also as known as ‘Operation Amotekun’.
The group under the aegis of Yoruba World Congress (YWC) embarked on solidarity work for the across the streets of Akure, expressing their support for the South West governors in establishing the outfit.
The group during the peaceful protest distributed handbills and educated people on the purpose of Amotekun and the need to embrace the new security initiative by the governors from the region.
The group also visited the palace of the traditional ruler of Akure land, where they were addressed by the Chief of Staff to the Deji of Akure, Prince Toyin Aladetoyinbo, said the monarch was not around but enjoined the group to ensure the rally remained peaceful as planned.
ALSO READ: Buhari re-appoints Ankeli, Garba as aides on disability matters
The group, however, headed to the Alagbaka governor’s office, where the state Coordinator of the group, Oluyi Tayo Akintade, said that ‘Operation Amotekun’ has come to stay in the SouthWest states, saying that no amount of threats will intimidate the Yorubas from supporting the security initiative.
Akintade said: “We will do everything to support these brave governors as they work tirelessly to see to a more secure Southwest people and states.”
The Chairman of the solidarity walk, Mr Toyin Ogunlakaka who said that the support given to the initiative of the SouthWest governors became necessary to ensure the security of lives and property of the people of the region.
He said the people of the region are against the Federal Government moves to declare the initiative as illegal saying the protest was staged against the declaration of the Attorney General of the Federal, Abubakar Malami over the issue.
Former Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Mrs Jumoke Akindele, who was part of the rally, noted that the outfit would check incessant killings, raping and destruction of farms in the region.
According to her, only those who are not law-abiding and perpetrators of crimes in the society should be afraid Amotekun.
Receiving the group on behalf of the state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, the Chief of Staff, Chief Gbenga Ale, commended the group for their support and assured that the people of the region will not be abandoned to their fate amidst the security challenges.
He stated that the SouthWest governors were not going to attack the Federal Government established security agencies but rather serve as a complement for protection of life and property.
“We are not to confront the Federal Government, but rather cooperate with all security agencies. It’s not going to be an alternative to the police,” the Chief of Staff said.
and then