Amotekun has come to stay in Ondo — Aiyedatiwa

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has assured that the South West Security Network (Amotekun) has come to stay in Ondo State and will be funded to improve its operations.

The governor noted that the creation of Amotekun has reduced the crime rate in the region, and shielded the people of the South West from bandits who invaded the region.

He, however, insisted that time has come for the creation of State Police in Nigeria as part of the critical solutions to security challenges in the country.

Aiyedatiwa stated this at the Annual General Conference of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos.

The Governor, who was the Chairman of the event, delivered a lecture at the Breakout Session on Ondo State tagged: “Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Leadership Series: Is State Police a Solution to National Insecurity?”

He said: “The centralized policing structure, once envisioned as the protector and servant of the people, has proven inadequate in the face of the complex and evolving security challenges of our time.

“It has failed to shield us from the marauders who strike fear into the hearts of our citizens.

“It is limited in its capacity to bring to justice those who have turned our highways into death traps and our farmlands into killing fields.

“Interestingly, a glimmer of hope emerged from the heart of Ondo State, with the birth of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as AMOTEKUN Corps.

” Under the visionary leadership of my late Principal, and former Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, in collaboration with his fellow Governors in the South West.

“This groundbreaking home-grown initiative was evolved. Amotekun has soared to unprecedented heights, becoming a shining example of the transformative power of state-level security.

“Amotekun Corps’ lofty journey has been one of remarkable achievements and unwavering resilience. Our brave men and women have scaled the most daunting challenges, confronting terrorists, bandits and kidnappers with unwavering courage.

ALSO READ: Edo guber: PDP hails Appeal Court’s judgement re-affirming Ighodalo’s candidacy

They have forged deep connections with our communities, earning the trust and respect of the very people they serve. Their tireless efforts have not only saved countless lives but also restored a sense of security and be

“I am proud to say that Amotekun has delivered. It has brought a measure of peace and security to our people, a peace that had long been elusive.

“This home-grown initiative has demonstrated that when we trust in our communities, when we empower them, when we give them the responsibility and the resources to secure their own lives and property, they can achieve remarkable results.

“The synergy between Amotekun and other Security Agencies has placed Ondo State as one of the most peaceful and secure States in Nigeria today.”

The Governor, who appreciated the NBA leadership for organising the session, urged other states of the federation to replicate the Amotekun model ahead of the establishment of State Police.

Describing Ondo as one of the most peaceful and endowed States in Nigeria, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the State remains a safe haven and desired destination for local and foreign investors.

Also speaking, the Commander of Amotekun in Ondo State, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, who reeled out the achievements of the security outfit in recent times, commended Aiyedatiwa for continuing with the legacy of his predecessor in the adequate funding of the agency.

In his remarks, the NBA President, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his thought-provoking lecture, stressing that the bar will support the call for State Police.

Other speakers at the session, including human rights advocate, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, also commended Ondo State model of Amotekun, urging the federal government to heed the call of Nigerians for the creation of State Police.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE