S/West governors to launch regional security outfit, “Amotekun” on Jan. 9
The joint Southwest security outfit, Amotekun, will be inaugurated on January 9, Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, has confirmed.
The outfit will take off on January 9 after the endorsement of the reviewed Standard Operating Practice (SOP) the governors of Ondo (Oluwarotimi Akeredolu); Ekiti (Dr. Fayemi); Oyo (Seyi Makinde); Osun (Adegboyega Oyetola); Ogun (Prince Dapo Abiodun) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos).
Fayemi, who made this known in his New Year message, said the outfit would complement the efforts of the regular security agencies.
He said: “On January 9, 2020, the Western Nigeria Security Network known as Amotekun shall commence operations in all the six states in our zone
“Ekiti is very active in this initiative which will go a long way in securing the people and protecting the state.
“The fact remains, however, that criminality cannot be totally eradicated even as we are working meticulously at reducing it to the barest minimum in Ekiti State, and the evidence is there for all to see and acknowledge that we are making steady progress.
“Since we are not an Island, we are working with neigbouring states to strengthen our security architecture.”
The governor urged community leaders and groups not to allow themselves to be used to cause unnecessary tension that could trigger crisis.
He said: “I have personally kept a close watch on the security situation within and around Ekiti State, and I can assure you that as a government, we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure safety of lives and property in our dear state.
“Ekiti remains one of the safest places to live, work and conduct business in Nigeria. Henceforth, I urge our community leaders or groups not to allow themselves to be used to spread fake or unsubstantiated news with a view to setting the residents against themselves or destabilising the peace of the state
“We must encourage our people to report any strange signal or incident, but we must resist the temptation to resort to self-help at any time.”
He assured residents that the state will witness rapid improvement on its infrastructure in the New Year with a view to accelerating the economic recovery.
Dr. Fayemi said his administration is making steady, visible and sustainable progress in all areas as the state is now moving “from potentials to actualisation”.
Reiterating the resolve of his government to make life more meaningful and comfortable, he said that he would flag off the construction of four major roads that are critical to the industrial and agricultural development of the state by the middle of the month.
