South West Govs, FG To Clash Over Amotekun Arms

By James Orji

The six governors in the South west are set to clash with the federal government over their insistence that the regional security outfit Amotekun must bear arms.

Recall that Abubakar Malami, had last January, described Amotekun as illegal and unconstitutional, warning that the federal government will not recognise any security bodies set up by the states.

Amotekun was set up last year by the six states in the region as a response to the spate of insecurity fulled by marauding herdsmen and kidnappers in the country but its operatives had yet to be allowed to bear arms like the police and others.

This development, Governor Seyi  Makinde of Oyo state said has hampered the ability of Amotekun to effectively tackle  crimes in the region, particularly bearing in mind that they confront criminals on the daily basis who carry sophisticated weapons.

The situation must not be allowed to continue, he said, adding that the governors are currently in talks withe the federal government on the matter.

Makinde stated, “With the recent experience in Oyo State, it has become necessary to call upon the Federal Government to recognise the need to upgrade the capacity of Amotekun in providing security.

“In Oyo State, Amotekun has become the first responder and this was demonstrated during the jailbreak in Oyo town, where Amotekun suffered loss of lives because there was a disparity between the firepower of the Amotekun and the criminals.

“The South-West governors have resolved to call upon the Federal Government to allow for increased capacity so that there can be a meaningful role being played by Amotekun in the provision of security.

“The era of facing criminals bearing AK-47 and X15 with sakabula (Dane gun) and pump action gun in the modern time is a ridiculous error. Therefore, Amotekun must be allowed to play the role that it can provide security, because as of today, the presence of Amotekun in all areas of Oyo State has brought about improved security that is being enjoyed.,” Makinde said.

Malami had n his response to the establishment of Amotekun, said it posed severe danger to the corporate existence of Nigeria, adding that the federal government will not recognise the regional security body.

He said “the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a sovereign entity and is governed by laws meant to sustain its corporate existence as a constitutional democracy. It is a Federation of states, but with the Federal Government superintending over matters of national interests. The division of executive and legislative authority between the Federal and State Governments has been clearly defined by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).

“It is against the same background that matters relating to the peace, order and good government of the Federation and in particular, the defence of the country, are enshrined in the Exclusive Legislative List. The Second Schedule in Item 17 deals with defence. This is a matter that is within the exclusive operational competence of the Federal of Government of Nigeria. No other authority at the state level, whether the executive or legislature has the legal authority over defence.

“The setting up of the paramilitary organization called “Amotekun” is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the Army, Navy and Airforce, including the Police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria,” Malami said.