Ondo state Governor Rotimi Akeredolu Thursday faulted the Federal Government over the alleged issuing of firearms to the newly formed Katsina Civilian Security Network, after previously turning down the request for South-West Security network outfit, Amotekun Corps to bear firearms.
Governor Akeredolu in a statement released on his official social media handle on Thursday 22nd 2022, stated that the alleged approval by the Federal Government to the Katsina civilian security network shows government double standards. He said while he and the people of Ondo state believe in ‘One Nigeria’ it is clear and judging from the move on the Katsina civilian security network, Nigeria 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”, he said.