Ex-Military top brass, and Chairman, Oyo State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, Retired General Kunle Togun says the outfit should be allowed to carry sophisticated weapons.
General Togun made the call at a workshop in Ibadan organised by Leadership and Peace Initiative, YLPI, on safety and security with the theme, “Safety and Security in Yorubaland: An Advisory to Stakeholders” held at Lead City University, Ibadan.
The retired General explained that it was essential that Amotekun be equipped like their counterparts in the Northern region of the country to effectively defend the region.
“Let’s operate the presidential system correctly, if Amotekun is to be, let the Federal Government announce state police, each state has its own Police in America. For instance, if there is a state Police, its personnel will be fully trained and armed to reduce crime and criminality as well as defend the region.
On his part, a monarch, the Orangun of Oke-Ila in Osun State, Oba Adedokun Abolarinwa, says poverty and unemployment are factors causing insecurity in Nigeria, especially Yorubaland.
Oba Abolarinwa said insecurity would continue as long as youths across the nation are not productively engaged to contribute to the development of the country.
The monarch urged stakeholders in Yorubaland not to see the security of the region as the sole duty of the government, but the duty of all, noting that democracy and stability cannot thrive without security.
He stated further that Yoruba people should put aside their personal interests and differences and support calls for the security of the lives and property of people in the region.
“Poverty in the land is caused by unemployment, let’s attack the issue of poverty in the rural areas, let’s be our brother’s keeper and chart a pathway to unite and tackle insecurity in this region.”
“Let us all get involved, we cannot afford to leave everything to the government, we traditional rulers have our roles to play in the safety of Yorubaland, everybody also has to contribute their quota towards the security of our region.”
“There can’t be development without security, all hands must be on deck in tackling insecurity, let all of us be involved in finding solutions to the security challenges facing the southwest.”
On his part, the President of the Yoruba Leadership and Peace Initiative, TYLPI, Mr Olusegun Ahmadu said the workshop became imperative as the issue of insecurity across the Southwest region has become a threat to the development of the nation.
“We decided not to just sit down with the level of our exposure, education and experience and fold our hands and be looking till the region is captured for ransom, that is why we bring people who have wide experience, knowledge and committed to protecting the region to brainstorm on the way forward.”
Present at the event were the chairman of Southwest Development Stakeholders Forum, SWSDF, Cheif Alao Adedayo and other members of the group.
Rasheeda Makinde
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