In an effort to curb the menace of insecurity, Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has said that the Amotekun Corps must be allowed to carry sophisticated weapons to fight back against marauders committing crimes against humanity.
Akeredolu said that the incontestable authority of the state must be imposed in the country, which is under threat by brazen conflict entrepreneurs and armed, audacious non-state actors.
He said this yesterday at the passing-out parade of Courses 3 and 4 of the State Amotekun Corps at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Igbatoro Road, Akure.
He asserted that the state security outfits backed by law whether in Western Nigeria, Katsina, Borno, Benue or any northern state must have access to the same sophisticated weapons that the marauders have.
The governor vowed that his administration would continue to support the operational capacity of all security agencies in the state both in terms of equipment and the welfare of their personnel.
He emphasised that the passing-out ceremony is a reminder of the need to strategise and tackle the current security situation, which he said, had been left to snowball into existential crises across Nigeria.
Akeredolu, who averred that the commitment of his administration to the safety and welfare of the people of the state and investors remained unshaken, charged the new officers to do nothing that would soil the image of Amotekun Corps.
He said: “The key guiding principles which you must adhere to at all times include spartan discipline, zero-tolerance to bribery and abuse of power, prompt response to distress calls and display of professionalism in the discharge of your duties. No form of misconduct shall be tolerated.”
“The Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun Corps, as a response, is now not just the first line of defence, but the ultimate bulwark in the protection of a way of life and of a civilisation.
“The efforts of our determined and valiant Amotekun personnel since inception must be underscored, encouraged and highly commended. We must all rise at this time to acknowledge their efforts.
“On our part, we will continue to support the operational capacity of all security agencies in the state both in terms of equipment and the welfare of their personnel.
“The recent donation of patrol vehicles is a testament to our resolve to be up-to-date in fighting crime and criminality because, without a secured environment, there can never be visible and sustained development.”
The colourful Passing Out Parade was attended by the Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Commander, Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye; members of Ondo State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun; the Chief Judge of the state represented by the High Court Registrar, Bolatito Ajibade.
