Southwest Governors Unveil “Operation Amotekun” To Boost Security

In a bid to find lasting solution to the menace of insecurity in the south west region, all governors in the region on Thursday unveiled Western Nigeria Security Network otherwise known as Operation Amotekun.

At the event which took place in Ibadan, Oyo state capital had in attendance all the five western state governors , excluding Lagos state Governor, Mr Sanwo Olu. Traditional rulers, security experts among other notable people were also in attendance.

The security Outfit with the motto “Zero Tolerance to Crime” will henceforth start work by securing the masses from attacks from terrorists, bandits, and other vices in Oyo, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo, Osun and Ogun State.

The Chief Host and Executive Governor of Oyo state, Engr. Seyi Makinde in his welcome address appreciated the corroborative effort put up by the governors of the six states towards realizing the security initiative.

Makinde reiterated the need of the outfit to ensure indigene and settlers sleep with their two eyes closed and go about their day to day activities in the state.

Chairman Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), and the Ekiti state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi in his goodwill message, noted that section 14 sub section 2 of the Nigeria 1999 Constitution (as amended) calls for the government to cater for the welfarism of its citizen.

Fayemi added that Operation Amotekun is a mechanism fashioned to complement the work of the mainstream agencies in addressing the menace in the western society.

Fayemi noted that the Amotekun is neither a duplication nor a replacement of the Nigerian police but a complimentary effort of the government to give confidence to the people.

Chairman of the Southwest Governors Forum, and Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu also giving his goodwill message, stated that the initiative is born to give pragmatic and proactive solution against raping, armed robbery, ritual killings, kidnapping and other vices in the western states.

Akeredolu further acknowledged the Federal Government and other security agencies in the state for their support.

Speaking, Osun state Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, urged the officials of Amoteku to adopt best practices in their operations by protecting the people residing in the southern part of the country.

Oyetola who was represented by his deputy, Mr Benedict Alabi said the decision to create the joint security service came as a result of the passion they (Southwest governors) have for the safety of the people of the South West.

He said: “Amotekun is about protecting everything the South West stands for, chief among which are its security, development and the rights of the people and these three elements are intertwined.

“This joint security service is in the interest of the people of the South West and humanity as a whole. It is designed to protect their lives, their property and development and they will forever lay it to heart.”

“The six States of the South West are irrevocably committed to the success of Amotekun and will collaborate with the five services to make it a huge success.

“The Olajokun Park situated along Ibadan-Ife expressway, Gbongan, has been designated as the operational base for Amotekun and it has been renovated and equipped.

“We would like to use this medium to thank President Muhammadu Buhari for his concern for the security of the region.

“We urge our people to cooperate with the officials of the security outfit and to provide intelligence for the successful execution of their assignments.”

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, (ojaja II), appreciated the six governors claiming that they all shun political affiliation to create the historic outfit.

Ojaja the second, added that all the traditional rulers in the six states has reached a concensus to support the effort of the governors.

While granting interview to newsmen, The Chairman, Traditional Council of Ekiti state, and the Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanji Alabi maintained that Operation Amotekun is an intelligent driven initiative that is saddled with the responsibility to sniffs bandits, and other criminals out of their hideouts and protect lives and properties.

CityMirrorNews reports that the six states have provided 20 vehicles each, except Oyo which has provided 33.
Over 100 motorbikes have been made available as well to aid the security operatives move between places where vehicles could not reach.