Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State says there is no going back on his administration’s decision to acquire arms and ammunition for operatives of the state security outfit, Amotekun.
Akeredolu explained that the weapons would be backed by law 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 said this yesterday at the passing-out of newly recruited Amotekun operatives in Akure.
Akeredolu added that 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 the 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.”
Ametek 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.”
