How FG wants Amotekun to look like

The statement yesterday said the meeting between the federal government and the South West governors resolved that the structure of Amotekun should align with the community policing strategy of the government.

It said this was in line with the need for all stakeholders to put their heads together in addressing the security concerns across the country. It was also agreed that each of the states will give legal backing to the initiative and address all issues concerning the regulation of the security structure.

Fielding questions from journalists after the meeting, Governor Akeredolu who is the chairman of South West Governors Forum (SWGF), confirmed that the meeting agreed on the need to put in place a legal framework.

“We had a very fruitful discussion. Governors of South West as you know we were all there. The meeting was presided over by the vice president.

“So, we have robbed minds and all of us have agreed on the way forward. The most important one is that we are going to have legal framework to back this Amotekun,” he said.

When asked whether the establishment of the outfit would be put on hold until the legal framework was put in place, Akeredolu said no. “What I believe in our resolution is that Amotekun is there. You know the federal government is starting community policing. In essence, it is really about community; so, we are going to work together to see that community policing and Amotekun work in a way.”

Asked why there were no consultations before the launch of the outfit, the governor said “there were consultations; don’t say there were no consultations. There were consultations because we held discussions with the IGP and what has developed is what led to this. Not that there were no consultations. We just felt that with all these noise outside, it is better for us to sit down.

“Remember that immediately the noise started, I said that we are going to explore political solution and all of us are here including my colleague the deputy governor of Oyo who is of the PDP. We have looked at the political and legal solutions to the problem,” he said.

On what he would tell those claiming that the federal government was trying to stop Amotekun, he said, “No, the government is not trying to stop it. The attorney general has spoken on that; I am sure you have all read the statement that he was misinterpreted. There was no time that government wanted to stop Amotekun.”