*Vows to procure arms for operatives of Western Security Network, Amotekun
*Says denying Amotekun right to bear arms is repudiation of basis of true federalism
*Insists that if FG can allow security outfit in Katsina to carry arms, Amotekun should too
*Declares state govt can’t look on while its citizens are terrorised, murdered with impunity
By our correspondent with agency report
Amidst concerns over plans by the Ondo state government to arm the state chapter of the Western Nigeria Security Network popularly known as Ametokun, the state governor, Rotimi Ajeredolu has declared that the state will procure arms for the operatives of Amotekun.
The governor in a statement was quoted to have said that if the federal government can allow a security outfit in Katsina state to carry arms, then Amotekun should be granted the same right.
He said “The video making the rounds showing the equivalent of the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps) in Katsina, obtaining the approval of the Federal Govt. to bear arms is fraught with great dangers.”
“Denying Amotekun the urgently needed rights to legitimately bear arms is a repudiation of the basis of true federalism which we have been clamouring for.
“That Katsina was able to arm its state security force with the display of AK47 means we are pursuing one country, two systems” which is not a solution to the national question.
“If the Katsina situation confers advantages on some, in the face of commonly faced existential threats, it means that our unitary policing system, which has failed, is a deliberate method of subjugation which must be challenged.
“The Independence agreement was based on a democratic arrangement to have a federal state and devolved internal security mechanics. We must go back to that agreement.
“Denying Amotekun the right to bear arms exposes the Southwest to life-threatening marauders and organized crime. It is also deliberate destruction of our agricultural sector. It is an existential threat.
“We want to reiterate that what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. The Ondo State government under the doctrine of necessity has decided to fulfill its legal, constitutional and moral duty to the citizens of the State, by acquiring arms to protect them.
“This is more so, given that the bandits have unchecked access to sophisticated weapons. The State government cannot look on while its citizens are being terrorized and murdered with impunity. We will defend our people”, the governor was quoted to have declared.
It would be recalled that the Ondo state governor’s statement came a few weeks after his Benue state counterpart, Samuel Ortom declared that if the federal government refuses to approve the licence for arms for the state security outfit, he would get approval from his people.
The federal government on its part had said that security outfits set up by various state governments cannot be allowed to bear firearms.
