Presidency to Akeredolu: no state can arm security outfits

By:Mohammed Oluwatimileyin Taoheed

The Presidency yesterday clarified that it has not granted approval for the use of arms and ammunition for any state or regional security outfit.

It also said no state has been authorized to procure automatic weapons for their security outfits.

According to the presidency, only the National Security Adviser (NSA) is empowered to authorize the use of arms and ammunition by security outfit, following proper clearance by the President and Commander-In-Chief.

The presidency denied insinuations about ‘security favouritism’ against the Federal Government by Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, saying no state in the country has been granted the authority to issue automatic firearms to its security outfits.

Akeredolu had chided the Federal Government for refusing to grant an authority for operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as the Amotekun Corps.

He accused the Federal Government of preventing the Amotekun Corps in the Southwest from bearing arms to protect the people while it had approved the arms bearing authority for Katsina State, to equip its local security network, which he said, is an equivalent of the Amotekun.

Speaking in Akure on Monday, during the passing out parade of Ondo State Amotekun’s Courses Three and Four, the governor insisted that the state government would arm the security network to perform its duty effectively.

Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi supported Akeredolu, saying that states should be able to effectively protect their people.

However, in a reaction by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the Presidency, while debunking the claim that the Federal Government had issued an authority to Katsina State, warned political leaders to exercise restraint in their comments because of the delicate nature of the current political season.

While cautioning against the politicisation of security matters, the Presidency also reminded states of a standing order by President Buhari to security agents, to treat any unauthorized persons or groups found wielding automatic firearms as outlaws.

The statement reads: “Government at the centre, with a national mandate, cannot afford to alienate Ondo State, or any other state for that matter, on the important issue of security and urges leaders at various levels to exercise restraint in their speech, even as we are in a political season.

“The Presidency wishes to strongly assert that there is no state, not Katsina, not any other state in the federation, that has been authorized to procure automatic weapons for their security outfits.

“Under this administration, the President has repeatedly made it clear that nobody is allowed to illegally carry AK-47 or any other automatic weapons and that they must surrender them.

“Where they fail to do so, the law enforcement agencies have been given clear directives to deal with any such outlaws.

“Under the existing regulations, only the Office of the National Security Adviser can issue such authorisation, upon proper clearance by the President and Commander-in-Chief, and as it is at this moment, no such approvals have been issued to any state government.

“In the specific Katsina State often cited, the Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, wrote to explain that the administration invited the Provost of the Civil Defence Training College in Katsina to train their vigilantes for a five-day period “in the handling and operations of Pump Action Rifles,” emphasizing that “the vigilantes were not trained to take over the responsibilities of the security agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria, but to assist them.”

“The Presidency appreciates the active involvement of states with security matters.

“As they continue to expand their capabilities as well as their active collaboration with law enforcement agencies of the federation, the joint efforts continue to yield good results, thwarting attempts of terrorists to wreak havoc and destruction on communities.

“The President in particular has expressed happiness that in the last couple of years, security outfits, mandated by state governments, have been associated with several important initiatives, and reports have reached him of acts of utmost bravery and professionalism.

“He thanks them for their alertness that is helping to defeat nefarious plots against targets at grassroots levels.

“He, however, cautions against the politicization of security.”

Obi backs Akeredolu on arms for Amotekun

Obi supported the move by Akeredolu to purchase sophisticated weapons for Amotekun Corps.

Obi, who spoke when he paid condolence visit to Akeredolu, described him as a leader who speaks the truth at all times, no matter the consequences.

The LP flagbearer, who charged Akeredolu to continue to take necessary steps to protect his people, noted that the governor was doing the right thing.

Obi said the governor must continue to do his best to defend his people.

He stated that things were going wrong in the country because people choose to keep quiet and commended the governor for speaking up for the people.

He said: “I urge you to continue in that direction. You represent one of those things Nigerians desire; ability to speak the truth no matter the consequences.

“What is lacking in Nigeria is that we choose to keep quiet when things are going wrong. You have a man here who always speaks when things are going wrong, and I urge you to continue.”

“Arm those special security poeple. Take every step to protect your people. It is important and it is your duty. I’m happy that you are speaking out always when necessary. May God Almighty continue to be with you and bless all of you.”

Akeredolu thanked Obi and his entourage for the visit.

He said he would missed his mother even though she died at the age of 90.