The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunri Oluwarotimi Akeredolu says his government will arm its vigilante team.
In a series of tweets via his official handle on Thursday, the governor questioned the federal government’s reported clearance to Katsina State vigilante to bear arms while denying the South West the right to do the same.
Governor Akeredolu said the denial of the state security outfit, Amotekun Corps the power to carry arms was a “repudiation of the basis of true federalism.”
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.
— Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) September 22, 2022
”Ondo State government under the doctrine of necessity have decided to fulfill its legal, constitutional and moral duty to the citizens of the state, by acquiring arms to protect them,” he tweeted.
”This is more so, given that the bandits have 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.
”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.”
Governor Akeredolu also mentioned the problems associated with denying the South West the right to bear arms.
”Denying Amotekun the right to bear arms exposes the Southwest to life-threatening marauders and organized crime. It is also deliberate destruction of our agricultural sector. It is an existential threat.”
