by 
GOVERNOR
Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, yesterday, signed the Ekiti State Security
Network Agency Bill, codenamed ‘Amotekun Corps’, into law, with a warning that
the state has become a danger zone for criminals. At the well-attended event,
the Governor said the resilience of Ekiti State and the Yoruba race brought the
security outfit to full Operation, describing the Amotekun corps initiative as
a novel since the advent of democracy in 1999. Speaking at the signing of the
bill into law in Ado Ekiti, Fayemi said the assent will give legal backing to
the operation of Amotekun in Ekiti, warning criminals to steer clear of the
state because “Amotekun Corps will get you wherever you hide.”
He said: “Since the advent of democracy in 1999, this is the first time when
Yoruba people will speak with one voice without political or religious
considerations. “As a responsible and responsive government, we believe that
security is significant and we won’t toy with the security of lives and
property. “The current challenges of the proliferation of small arms, ritual
killings, banditry, youth restiveness, cattle rustling, insurgency and
terrorism are daunting. “In tackling some of these menaces, which surfaced in
the southwest region, the governors in the zone officially launched the Western
Nigeria Security Network in Ibadan on January 20, 2020, and the bill that will
form the legal framework was passed by the State House of Assembly.” “Let me
clarify that Amotekun will help the police to arrest, gather intelligence and
information, arrest and prosecution of criminals, tackle illegal mining, land
trespass, cattle rustling, destruction of crops, trespass into farmlands,
cultism, highway robbery, among others. “Amotekun is not a substitute for the
existing security networks, but a compliment to it. It is not for Ekiti people
alone, but everybody. As long as you are a resident in Ekiti, you enjoy the
right to be protected, so it is not for the indigenes alone. “Crime fighting is
a collective responsibility. Those perpetrating crimes are living among us and
let us be vigilant and help the Amotekun Corps fish out criminals in our
midst.” He, however, promised that the handlers of Amotekun will be thorough
with the issues of recruitment, training and deployment of the operatives, for
efficiency and effectiveness of the network.
Source: Vanguard
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