Peoples’ support crucial to successful take-off of Amotekun corps operations ― Osun Speaker

The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye on Monday said the support of the people in South West is critical to the successful take and operations of Amotekun corps.

He contended that Amotekun corps will assist the police and other security agencies to carry out lawful activities in maintaining law and order in the state, saying the security outfit would also provide employment opportunities for some of the jobless individuals in southwest states.

Owoeye, who spoke at a public hearing session on Osun Security Network Agency (Amotekun) bill maintained that when the bill is passed, it will ensure safe highways, remote areas, waterways, hinterlands among others.

He emphasises that, for Amotekun to be successful, the support of all will be needed, noting that Section 24 of the constitution provides that “it shall be the duty of every citizen to make a positive and useful contribution to the advancement, progress, and well-being of the community where he resides.”

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In his remark during the public hearing, Osun State governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Gboyega Alabi observed that peace and security are germane principal factors for business and investment.

He said: “If Amotekun works, investment windows will be opened. Amotekun will give wings to the Osun Economic and Investment Summit as well as the Osun Investment Promotion Agency which are our windows to economic and industrial transformation.

“No State or nation can be stronger than the quality of its laws. Amotekun is as strong as we elect to make it, especially at this public hearing, whose outcomes shall polish and enrich its legal outlook and determine the quality of the peace and prosperity we enjoy,” the Governor emphasised.

Also speaking at the public hearing, the representative of the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisation (NACOMYO), Mr. Jamiu Adeyemi harped on the need for Osun House of Assembly to consider worship centers as places that Amotekun corps should be posted to, pointing out that such places are a soft target for criminals.

In his contribution, Professor Aliyu Alao of the African Security Forum tasked the lawmakers to ensure that people in the diaspora are actively taken care of in the bill.

He also underscored the importance of ensuring an annual report on the Amotekun corps, arguing that this would create room for checks and balances.

Speaking at the public hearing, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Oba Abdrasheed Olabomi asked that traditional rulers should be carried along in the recruitment and running of the outfit saying that their involvement will be of immense benefits to the effectiveness of the security outfit.