Feature News • Created September 2, 2020 16:00

Why Amotekun is foot dragging in Osun

Expectation was high but Amotekun has not been very visible in security structure

Why Amotekun is foot dragging in Osun

Amotekun Corps, the new security outfit set up by Osun state government, is yet to take off despite an urgent need to combat security challenges in the state.

Osun state assembly passed a bill for Amotekun into law on March 3 after a public hearing.

Ten days later, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola on March 13 assented, saying, “Osun is prepared to go to any legitimate length to ensure that criminals in the state have no breathing space.”

The Governor noted that the Law shall complement the Constitution and other laws setting up the various security agencies in guaranteeing the safety and security of the people and their property.

With Oyetola’s assurances, the expectation was high.

However, the Amotekun has not been very  visible in the security architecture of the state and the crime rate is still disturbing.

Security operatives under the newly established Western Nigeria Security Network (AMOTEKUN), during the official launch by some state governors of the South-West at the Oyo State Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

Turbulence

Amotekun has been through turbulence after the People’s Democratic Party sued the state government over the appointment of Amitolu Shitu to head it as “director-general”.

Counsel to PDP Hasim Abioye told Daily Trust the appointment of Amitolu was not in accordance with the law backing Amotekun.

He said PDP couldn’t overlook it because it was a matter of security affecting lives in the state.

“There was nothing like Director General in the law that established Amotekun. We wonder why Governor Oyetola appointed Chief Amitolu Shitu as DG and his name was not even sent to the House of Assembly for screening,” he said.

Amotekun vehicles at the official launch of the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), held at the Oyo State Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan PHOTO: Jeremiah Oke
Amotekun vehicles at the official launch of the Western Nigeria Security Network (Amotekun), held at the Oyo State Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan PHOTO: Jeremiah Oke

Bowing to pressure

This legal tussle halted the progress of Amotekun corps until recently that the governor bowed to pressure and announced General Bashir Adewinbi as Amotekun Corps Commander and made Amitolu the Amotekun Field Commander.

The Governor also inaugurated the Amotekun Corps Board and the Amotekun Independent Complaints Board, pointing to the readiness to commence effective. operations.

Oyetola said the initiative would go a long way at maintaining and sustaining the security status of Osun as the most peaceful state in Nigeria.

“Our ultimate solution to the situation was the collaboration with our sister States in the South West who share the same territories and destiny with us to found the Amotekun Corps to police and secure the region and deliver peace to our people.

“It is our hope that the Osun Security Network Agency and the Amotekun Corps will offer improved security of lives and property and close the gaps created by the obvious overstretching of the conventional security agencies, while the Amotekun Independent Complaints Board will act as checks and balances for the activities of the Corps personnel.”

“Let me remind us all as Osun people that Amotekun is our baby and that making it work is a collective responsibility. I therefore urge you all to collaborate with the bodies that we are inaugurating today by providing useful information and offering other necessary support in our collective interest,” Oyetola urged.

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