ICYMI: Makinde Warns Amotekun Corps Against Public Harassment-See Video

Governor Makinde has advised Amotekun Corps not to harass people.

News Rain Nigeria reports that the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has warned the Amotekun Corps to desist from any form of activity that can lead to intimidation and harassment of people.

He said the Amotekun Corps is to work for people and not to harass or Intimidate them.

Makinde Warns Amotekun Corps Against Public Harassment-See Video

Makinde, on Wednesday, 18th November 2020, while speaking at the Passing-Out Parade of the 1,500 pioneers Amotekun Corps, held at the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo, charged the Corps members to respond in their engagement with people, noted that he will be held responsible for any of their actions.

He said, “As I said during one of my speeches following the End SARS protests, this is one outfit that I can boldly say hold me responsible for the actions of the members.

See video below;

 

Therefore, let me state to you 1,500 pioneers of the Amotekun Corps that you must remain excellent examples in service. You are to work for the people. You are not called to harass or intimidate the people.

Instead, exhibit the highest level of professionalism in the discharge of your duties. Remember that there are limits to your authority, and always follow directives from the chain of command.

We have appointed two qualified men as chairman and commandant of the Amotekun Corps, the persons of Retired General Ajibola Kunle Togun and Retired Colonel Olayanju Olayinka. We also have other eminent persons on the board. I am confident that under them, the Amotekun Corps will live up to their objectives.

Governor Makinde also declared that the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, is an independent outfit, stressed that members will answer to the state governors, but they will be working with the federal security agencies.

He highlighted some of the primary functions of the Amotekun Corps as authorized by law include, as Collaborating with and assisting the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in gathering information. They will be involved in crime, the investigation of crime, arrest, and prosecution of persons suspected of kidnapping, terrorism, destruction of livelihood, criminal damage to property, cultism, highway robbery, and any other illegal activities.

He maintained that the Amotekun Corps will also be involved in routine day and night patrols on major roads and remote areas.

Members of the corps will be drafted to all the 351 wards in Oyo State. They will be our own community police so that their presence will be felt everywhere. This ensures that offenders are quickly identified, arrested, registered, and promptly handed over to the nearest police station or post.

Makinde added that when the story of the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun is told, it will be on record that it was officially launched on January 9, 2020. However, the Amotekun journey began earlier. In July 2019, the six states of the southwest, namely Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and the Oyo States, agreed to set up this outfit.

Amotekun is indeed a first of its kind security agency because it is a  regional security outfit initiated by one of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
History will also state that the headquarters is here in Oyo State.

Governor Makinde however declared fully operational of the outfit with the launching of the Pioneer 1,500 Corps members.

He said in his speech, on this note, I declare the Oyo State Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun operational.