By Akinwale Kasali
Since the establishment of Amotekun, a Security outfit by Governors of South Western States, there has been accusations and counter accusations from different quarters, with some regions condemning this initiative.
But reiterating the commitment and support the Security outfit is receiving, and will continue to receive, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has declared that Amotekun, in the state and the South West has come to stay.
The Speaker, while speaking at a public hearing on a bill to establish Amotekun in Lagos state, said the outfit has become important for the security of lives and properties of the people.
“I’m sure we all recall the incidents before the establishment of Amotekun, the killings, maiming, kidnapping and their likes.
“In the wisdom of our governors, they decided on Amotekun, to protect our interest, lives and properties” Obasa insisted.
Obasa noted that the idea had resulted in different reactions from Nigerians, but that the South West cannot relent in the zone’s bid to ensure people are safe.
Obasa said in Lagos, the Neighbourhood Watch was put in place in 2016 and that some states have copied the idea thus making it important for it to be amended to accommodate Amotekun.
The speaker stressed that the bill on Amotekun would be accommodated in the existing law.
“Amotekun has come to stay and we must stand by it, Amotekun has been supported by over 40 million Yoruba people and, as a result, it would only be wise to favour the bill.
“Our race has spoken and we must stand by it but in line with the constitution,” he said.
In the same vein, Tunde Braimoh, Chairman of the Committee on Information and security, said the protection of lives and property is the most important responsibility of government as stipulated in the constitution, and this can never be jeopardized.
Braimoh said the exercise is not new but that it is an amendment to the Neighbourhood Safety law which has been in existence for since 2016.
Buraimoh stated that the laws guiding Amotekun are all embedded in the Neighbourhood Safety Corps law and this is the reason for the decision to amend it.
While commending Obasa for his foresight in sponsoring the law that created the Neighbourhood Safety Corps upon which Amotekun is to be birthed in Lagos state, the majority leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, announced that Amotekun corps would be depicted by the image of a leopard, an animal with the capacity to penetrate anywhere.
Agunbiade said the outfit would perform same functions as the Neighbourhood Safety corps. However, the operatives would be made to carry licensed arms subject to the approval of the Inspector-General of Police, and collaborate with security agencies in Lagos and other states.
