Ondo Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has replied the Federal Government that his resolve to purchase sophisticated weapons for the Ondo Amotekun Corps codenamed Amotekun is to protect residents in the State.
Akeredolu said the reasons adduced by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, for the continued refusal to approve use of sophisticated weapons by state security outfits could no longer be plausible in the face of increasing security challenges being faced by the people.
The Ondo Governor said the Katsina State government has not denIed his statement on the use of AK47 by
Vigilantes of Katsina State during training.
Akeredolu, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, wondered if the weapons used by the Katsina Vigilantes were returned to the armoury.
Akeredolu insisted that State Security outfits backed by law in any part of the country must have access to the same sophisticated weapons that criminals have.
He stated that the call by the sub-national on state police be heeded and change effected where necessary.
According to him: “Every Governor swore to an oath to protect the state and the people. The sub-national must be allowed to put in place security forces as a counter-balancing force to face these marauders who have unchecked access to sophisticated weapons.
“It is high time we tackled these conflict entrepreneurs and restore the confidence of the people. We can not do the same thing time and again and expect different results.”
“Governor Akeredolu is irrevocably committed to the security of the people, particularly his state. He will continue to speak up in defense of the people. He is very much committed to the realization of constitutional amendment to reflect the current realities.”
