By Edward Shagba
Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has vowed to acquire arms for the state’s Security Network, known as Amotekun.
He stated this on Thursday following reports that the federal government had approved sophisticated weapons for a similar security outfit run by the Katsina State Government.
Governor Akeredolu stated that he would obtain automatic weapons for Amotekun in order to “protect the people.”
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The governor expressed his thoughts on Twitter using the handle @RotimiAkeredolu, and chastised the federal government for applying double standards to the nation’s security in what he called a “game.” one country, two systems.”
Mr Akeredolu questioned why Amotekun, a South-west regional security outfit, could not carry sophisticated weapons despite repeated calls for them, while her counterpart in Katsina State, established to tame bandits and terrorists, is armed with AK-47s.
“We believe in one Nigeria, but we cannot have one country, two systems,” he said.
“The video making the rounds showing the equivalent of the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun Corps) in Katsina, obtaining the approval of the Federal Government to bear arms is fraught with great dangers.
“Denying Amotekun the urgently needed rights, to legitimately bear arms is a repudiation of the basis of true federalism which we have been clamoring for.
“That Katsina was able to arm its state security force, with the display of AK47 means we are pursuing one country, two systems solution to the national question.
“If the Katsina situation conferring advantages on some, in the face of commonly faced existential threats, it means that our unitary policing system, which has failed, is a deliberate method of subjugation which must be challenged.
“The Independence agreement was based on a democratic arrangement to have a federal state and devolved internal security mechanics.
“We must go back to that agreement. Denying Amotekun the right to bear arms exposes the Southwest to life-threatening marauders and organized crime.
“It is also a deliberate destruction of our agricultural sector. It is an existential threat.
“We want to reiterate, that what is sauce for the goose, is sauce for the gander. Ondo State government under the doctrine of necessity have decided to fulfil its legal, constitutional and moral duty to the citizens of the State, by acquiring arms to protect them.
“This is more so, given that the bandits have an unchecked access to sophisticated weapons. The State government cannot look on while its citizens are being terrorized and murdered with impunity. We will defend our people.”
