OPC Scores Gov Akeredolu High On Security

By Ayodele Oni

Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), led by the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has scored Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, of Ondo State high in the area of providing secured and peaceful environment across the eighteen Council Areas of the State.

The group, in its New Year message to the Governor, Government and people of the State, commended Governor Akeredolu for his bold, fearless and courageous actions taken towards securing lives and properties of residents of Ondo State through the instrumentality of the Western Security Network (WSN) codenamed, Amotekun.

The statement, signed by the acting coordinator of OPC in Ondo State, Comrade Nafiu Sarafa, and made available to newsmen in Akure, on Friday, discribed Amotekun Corps as the most valuable feat achieved by Akeredolu’s five years administration, vowing that “OPC is ready to compliment the security apparatus in the State.

“This is with the aim of tackling the menace of herdsmen/ farmers clashes, kidnappings, banditry and other criminal activities anywhere in the State.

“In the year under review, it’s very important to identify and salute the rear feat achieved by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in the area of security, especially during the high point of threat occassioned by withdrawal of military personnel from  checkpoints and strategic positions in the State.

“In protest, the GOC of 32 Artillery Command, Owena Barracks went ahead to resign his position as the chairman of the State Security Council; but the governor took charge, instructed the Amotekun commandant and the commissioner of police to fill the security gap and restore confidence back to the body polity.

“During the Yuletide season, the Amotekun Corps under the leadership of Akogun Adetunji Adeleye mounted ‘stop and search’ checkpoints at flashpoints, crime prone areas and junctions across the State, which effectively curbed and reduced crimes and criminal activities of hoodlums during the festive periods.

“Another landmark achievement of the Amotekun Corps is the ability to keep the state safe by adequate implementation of the Anti-Grazing law signed by the Akeredolu-led administration.

“All these goals were made possible and achievable with the total support, encouragement and enabling environment given to the Amotekun Corps by the visionary Governor to secure the people of Ondo State, its environs and their property.

“The well organised and coordinated joint patrols and control points amongst members of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) the Nigerian Police and Amotekun Corps did the wonders and practically rendered the arrogant GOC and his Sojas useless and unnoticeable in the scheme of things and security formation of the State.

“While congratulating the Governor, his Government, the Amotekun Corps and other security agents for the achievements in securing our Sunshine State, we as OPC members pledge our loyalty and readiness to join the winning team in order to consolidate and solidify the security apparatus put in place by the Governor.”