Akeredolu: no going back on plan to arm Amotekun corps

Tamarauemi Ebimini

Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu says there is no going back on his administration’s decision to procure arms and ammunition for operatives of state security outfit, Amotekun.

Akeredolu  explained that the  weapons, which would be backed by law, are to be used to fight  those he termed as ‘marauders committing crimes against humanity.’

He stated that the incontestable authority of the state must be used   against  “brazen conflict entrepreneurs and armed audacious non-state actors.”

The governor spoke yesterday at the passing-out of newly recruited  Amotekun operatives in Akure.

Akeredolu  said the  establishment of  security outfits by sub-nationals   was  “ necessary and indispensable.”

His words “The Amotekun Corps must be given the tools to carry out its now pivotal, indispensable duties.

“For centuries, we have been admonished that ‘a bad workman blames his tools.’ In the case of Amotekun Corps, the workman is expected to function without good tools.

“Those passing out today have undergone rigorous training at great expense to the state. The training will not end here, it will be continuous. However, no amount of training will mask the debilitation of fighting with one arm tied against implacable foes.”

Amotekun must, therefore, be armed and will be armed and be backed by law. Otherwise, the training will be inadequate and we will be placing the lives of these great patriots in danger.”