Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde (second right), inspecting the pioneer Corps of the Oyo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), during their passing-out ceremony held at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo. PHOTO: Oyo State Government
Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, said, on
Wednesday, that the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun
Corps, is the state's local response to crime and criminality.
The governor also stated that the states of the South-West are ready to combat
crimes through the security agency, which was initially launched in January
2020 as a South-West regional security outfit to combat crimes in collaboration
with the police and other federal security agencies.
A statement by Mr. Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press
Secretary to Governor Makinde, quoted the governor as saying this
while speaking at the Passing-Out Parade of the 1,500 pioneer Amotekun Corps,
held at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo.
He added that the six states of the region would fight a common enemy- elements
who appear determined to cause commotion and perpetuate crimes.
He highlighted the efforts of his government in improving the security sector
by supporting the federal security agencies in the state with the provision of
patrol vehicles, communication gadgets and other logistic support.
He added that the approval and establishment of a Police Mobile Force 72
Squadron at Ago-Are, Oke Ogun area of the state by the Inspector-General of
Police, as well as provision of vehicles and logistic support for the squadron
was another step taken by his administration to boost security, adding that the
government has equally requested for another Police Mobile Force base in Oyo
town.
Governor Makinde, who noted that state policing is the way forward to tackle
insecurity in the nooks and crannies of the country, said the Amotekun
initiative by the South-West remained the next best thing in the absence of
state police, as, according to him, it would help to fight crimes in the
nooks and crannies of the society.
He, however, expressed confidence that advocates of state police would, one
day, get enough support at the national level to achieve the constitutional
review.
He charged the Corps to exhibit the highest level of professionalism in the
discharge of their duties, adding that none of them must be seen harassing
individuals.
The governor also stated that the Agency will also be involved in routine day
and night patrols on major roads and remote areas, as its members will be
drafted to all the 351 wards in Oyo State.
He warned members of the corps to be of good conduct and display
excellent behaviour at all times.
He also told the gathering that the 2021 budget of the state has been approved
by the state's executive council, adding that he would present it to members of
the state House of Assembly next week.
The governor said: “As I said during the official launch of this outfit in
January 2020, our regional integration, through Amotekun, should be seen in one
light. We are coming together to fight a common enemy. That enemy is not
Nigeria; the enemies are the elements among us and their affiliates, who are
determined to cause commotion within our states' borders and threaten our
peaceful coexistence.
“Never again will invaders come into Oyo State without a local response from
us. Amotekun is our local response.
“When the story of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun is
told, it will be on record that it was officially launched on January 9, 2020.
However, the Amotekun journey began earlier. In July 2019, the six states of
the South-West, namely Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States, agreed
to set up this outfit.
“Amotekun is, indeed, a first of its kind security agency, because it is a
regional security outfit initiated by one of Nigeria's six geopolitical zones.
History will also state that the headquarters is here in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“Since its founding, we have been taking steps to ensure that the security
outfit commences operations. In March 2020, the Oyo State House of
Assembly passed the Oyo State Security Network Agency Bill 2020, which I signed
into law a few days later.
“Although COVID-19 and other logistic issues delayed the recruitment process,
we ran an open and transparent recruitment process that culminated in
announcing the 1,500 successful candidates' names in October 2020.
"Shortly after that, their training began in the first week of November.
And today, we are here to witness the passing out parade of the pioneer members
of the Amotekun Corps. And I am sure you have seen their performance. Was it
awesome or not?
“Security has always been an issue close to my heart. While on the campaign
trail, I spoke about how we could tackle insecurity in Oyo State. We outlined
clear plans in our manifesto, the Roadmap to Accelerated Development in Oyo
State 2019-2023. And so, when we came into office, we went ahead to make security
one of the pillars of our administration."
Governor Makinde reiterated his position that he should be held responsible for
the conduct of the Amotekun Corps in the state, saying: “As I said during one
of my speeches following the End SARS protests, this is one outfit that I can
boldly say, and I am saying it, 'hold me responsible for the actions of the
members.
“Therefore, let me state that you, 1,500 pioneers of the Amotekun Corps, must
remain excellent examples in service.
"You are to work for the people. You are not called to harass or
intimidate the people. Instead, exhibit the highest level of professionalism in
the discharge of your duties. Remember that there are limits to your authority,
and always follow directives from the chain of command.
“We have appointed two qualified men as chairman and commandant of the Amotekun
Corps, the persons of retired General Ajibola Kunle Togun and retired Colonel
Olayanju Olayinka. We also have other eminent persons on the board. I am
confident that under them, the Amotekun Corps will live up to their
objectives."
Earlier, in his remarks, the Commandant of the Amotekun, Col. Olayinka Olayanju
(rtd ), promised to work effectively to secure the lives and properties of the
people in the state.
“We promise you that we are ready to work hand in hand. They are well-informed
and well-equipped to take care of how they conduct themselves and relate with
other security agencies," he said.
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