Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State says the South West Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps has delivered on its mandate of policing the state, promising to provide adequate resources to enhance its operations.
Aiyedatiwa said this on Monday while addressing the ongoing Annual General Conference of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos.
The governor, who delivered a lecture at the Breakout Session, spoke on “Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Leadership Series: Is State Police a Solution to National Insecurity?”
Said he: “The centralized policing structure, once envisioned as the protector and servant of the people, has proven inadequate in the face of the complex and evolving security challenges of our time.
“It has failed to shield us from the marauders who strike fear into the hearts of our citizens. It is limited in its capacity to bring to justice those who have turned our highways into death traps and our farmlands into killing fields.
“Interestingly, a glimmer of hope emerged from the heart of Ondo State, with the birth of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as AMOTEKUN Corps. Under the visionary leadership of my late Principal, and former Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, in collaboration with his fellow Governors in the South West, this ground breaking home-grown initiative was evolved.
“AMOTEKUN has soared to unprecedented heights, becoming a shining example of the transformative power of state-level security.
“AMOTEKUN Corps’ lofty journey has been one of remarkable achievements and unwavering resilience. Our brave men and women have scaled the most daunting challenges, confronting terrorists, bandits and kidnappers with unwavering courage.
“They have forged deep connections with our communities, earning the trust and respect of the very people they serve. Their tireless efforts have not only saved countless lives but also restored a sense of security and be
“I am proud to say that AMOTEKUN has delivered. It has brought a measure of peace and security to our people, a peace that had long been elusive. This home-grown initiative has demonstrated that when we trust in our communities, when we empower them, when we give them the responsibility and the resources to secure their own lives and property, they can achieve remarkable results.
“The synergy between AMOTEKUN and other Security Agencies has placed Ondo State as one of the most peaceful and secure States in Nigeria today.”
The governor commended the NBA leadership for organising the session and urged other states to replicate the Amotekun Corps model ahead of the establishment of State Police.
Describing Ondo as one of the most peaceful and endowed States, Aiyedatiwa said that the State remained a safe haven and desired destination for local and foreign investors.
Also speaking, the Commander of Amotekun Corps in Ondo State, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, reeled out the achievements of the security outfit in recent times, thanking Aiyedatiwa for continuing with the legacy of his predecessor in the adequate funding of the outfit.
In his remarks, the NBA President, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, commended the governor for his thought-provoking lecture, stressing that the bar would support the call for State Police.
Other speakers at the session, including a human rights advocate, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, also commended the Ondo State model of Amotekun Corps, urging the federal government to heed the call of Nigerians for the creation of State Police.
