"Amotekun",South West Security Outfit Is Not To Antagonise FG

Olusakin Babalola, Ibadan.

In spite of apprehension being expressed in some quarters concerning the establishment of "Amotekun", a security outfit launched on Thursday in Ibadan, it was clearly stated that it was not to antagonise the existing security agencies in the country.

The Chairman of South West Governors Forum who is also the Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, the leader of Yoruba, Professor Banjo Akintoye and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja III and other Yoruba leaders stressed this during the launch of the outfit on Thursday in the state capital.

Akeredolu who declared the loyalty of the South West people to the present Federal Government as unshaken ,  said that the unity of the country cannot be compromised in any way, adding "our unity is our strength. Nigeria's sovereignty is indissoluble".

He explained that the need to establish the Amotekun outfit was informed by the wave of insecurity in the zone where criminals of different forms have almost taken over, with attendant killings and maimings of Yoruba people in their land.

The Chairman of South West Governors Forum said that Amotekun outfit  was not an alternative to Police, stressing that they would compliment each other in the bid to curb crime and criminality in the entire South west.

Akeredolu disclosed that personnel that would be recruited to work in the security outfit would be properly trained by officers in the Army and Police and would be educated on their dos and donts.

The Chairman further warned the prospective personnel of Amotekun that their activities would be closely monitored adding that they must not allow themselves to be partisan for whatever reasons.

Professor Banjo Akintoye commended the six South West governors for their commitment to ensure the restoration of peace and stability to their zone, stressing that Yoruba people are lovers of peace over decades.

The Yoruba leader said that he was impressed by the assurances that the Federal Government would not do anything to sabotage the vision and mission of those who worked for the formation of Amotekun.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State commended his counterparts for their  desire to fight criminals in the South West pointing out that the motto of Operation Amotekun which is "zero tolerance for crime" would be implemented to the letter.

He charged all and sundry to resist the temptation of  luring the prospective personnels of "Amotekun outfit" to be used to settle personal scores or engage in political activities.

The Ooni of Ife called for prayers for the governors who bought scores of patrol vehicles and motor cycles to be used as logistics by the personnel of the outfit adding that he was impressed that in spite of the fact that they were from different political parties ,the security of lives and property of Yoruba people was paramount in their minds.