Oyo Govt Ready to Equip Amotekun with AK-47 Rifle if permitted -Makinde

Oyo state governor; Engr Seyi Makinde has disclosed the state’s readiness to purchase AK-47 assault rifles for the operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun if licensed by law.



Governor Makinde said this while delivering his keynote address on Tuesday at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, during the maiden ‘Governor ‘Seyi Makinde National Democracy Summit’ and also stated that there is a need to properly equip the regional security outfit to better curb the incessant killing of Innocents and help the police force who are overstretched beyond their working capacity.



Additionally, Makinde affirmed that the successes recorded so far by the outfit are due to the recruitment process which prioritized merit and quality over favouritism, further stating that the operatives are selected from their local terrains and thus, can navigate the areas easily and are answerable to the residents.



The Oyo governor opined that the security of lives and properties will be effectively disbursed if state governors are allowed to take charge, monitor, and equip security outfits in their state, noting that only the governor best understands the security terrain of his state.



According to a statement signed by Makinde’s chief press secretary, the Oyo governor was quoted saying: “We need to fully appreciate that state policing is a sure cure to our national development challenges. Anyone who has been involved in security at any level will tell you that policing is local.”



“One of the reasons why the Western Nigeria Security Network, code-named Amotekun, is recording success is because members of the corps are drawn from the locality. They know the terrain and so can gather needed intelligence. Also, they can be held accountable by the local people.”



“When the state governors become the actual Chief Security Officers in charge of the security personnel in their state, they can quickly respond to security challenges.”




“Yes, we will continue to do our best. We were able to get Amotekun off the ground and it is in operation now. But there are several limitations to what Amotekun can do right now, and the types of firearms they can carry. If we are given the authority and license, I will also buy AK-47 rifles for Amotekun.”



“So, these are just two areas where true federalism will bring greater economic benefits and development to Nigerian states.”



Makinde, while commenting on the need for devolution of powers, also stated that fiscal federalism remains the only way to liberate Nigeria from the shackles of backwardness.



He said true federalism is the future of democracy in the country, adding that Nigeria must devolve powers to the federating units, especially as it relates to controlling natural resources and security architecture.



Rotimi Akeredolu, the governor of Ondo, represented by Charles Titiloye, the state’s attorney-general; Osariemen Osunbor, former governor of Edo; and Eghosa Osagie, director-general of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) were amongst notable dignitaries present at the democracy summit.