President Muhammadu Buhari has denied the allegations that the Federal Government approved the Katsina security network to carry AK47 rifles, saying that there was no time that the Presidency gave such an order and that no State has been given the authorisation to procure automatic weapons for their security outfits.
The statement by President Muhammadu Buhari which was released by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Mr Garba Shehu on Tuesday 27th September 2022, is coming a few days after Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state made the allegation against the Federal Government and the Katsina security network.
Garba Shehu in the statement stated that the:
“Presidency wishes to strongly assert that there is no state, not Katsina, not any other state in the federation, that has been authorized to procure automatic weapons for their security outfits.
Under this administration, the President has repeatedly made it clear that nobody is allowed to illegally carry AK-47 or any other automatic weapons and that they must surrender them.
Where they fail to do so, the law enforcement agencies have been given clear directives to deal with any such outlaws.
Under the existing regulations, only the Office of the National Security Adviser can issue such authorization, upon proper clearance by the President and Commander-in-Chief and as it is at this moment, no such approvals have been issued to any state government,” he said.
Stating further, Garba Shehu touching on the issue of the Katsina security network and the allegations, stated that:
“the specific Katsina State often cited, the Governor, Aminu Bello Masari wrote to explain that the administration invited the Provost of the Civil Defence Training College in Katsina to train their Vigilantes for a five-day period “in the handling and operations of Pump Action Rifles,” emphasizing that “the Vigilantes were not trained to take over the responsibilities of the security agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria but to assist them.”
The Presidency in the statement, also stated that the President appreciate the active involvement of states in security matters. “As they continue to expand their capabilities as well as their active collaboration with law enforcement agencies of the federation, the joint efforts continue to yield good results, thwarting attempts of terrorists to wreak havoc and destruction on communities.
The President in particular has expressed happiness that in the last couple of years, security outfits mandated by state governments have been associated with several important initiatives, and reports have reached him of acts of utmost bravery and professionalism.
He thanks them for their alertness that is helping to defeat nefarious plots against targets at grassroots levels. He, however, cautions against the politicization of security.
The government at the centre with a national mandate cannot afford to alienate Ondo State or any other state for that matter on the important issue of security and urges leaders at various levels to exercise restraint in their speech, even as we are in a political season,” he added.
The Allegation Made By Gov. Akereledolu On The Katsina Security Network:
The Ondo Governor had on 22nd September 2022, faulted the Federal Government over the alleged issuing of firearms to the newly formed Katsina Security Network, after previously turning down the request for South-West Security network outfit, Amotekun Corps to bear firearms.
Governor Akeredolu in the statement released on his official social media handle on Thursday 22nd 2022, stated that the alleged approval by the Federal Government to the Katsina 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 security network, Nigeria cannot have one Country, two systems.
Full Statement reads:
“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 clamouring 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.