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BREAKING: Wike summons emergency meeting as insecurity worsens in FCT Published on January 16, 2024 By Seun Opejobi

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has summoned an emergency security meeting amid the heightened insecurity currently bedevilling the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Wike disclosed this while speaking at an event, where he assured FCT residents of their safety.

He said the government was working to support security agents with all that they need to tackle insecurity.

Among those in attendance are heads of security agencies in the FCT, top officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), council chairmen as well as traditional rulers.

Wike warned the area council chairmen to be alive to their responsibility at the local level.

In the past few weeks, bandits have ravaged some parts of the FCT, abducting residents from their homes.

The incidents which have created tension became heightened when some residents, including a 13-year-old Secondary School student, were killed over failure to meet the deadline for a ransom payment.

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Nabeeha’s murder shows kidnappers, bandits operate in Nigeria unhindered – Atiku Published on January 14, 2024
By Ogaga Ariemu

Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate in the 2023 election and former vice president of Nigeria, has reacted to the death of Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, who was killed by her abductors in Abuja.

Atiku spoke through a statement on his official X handle on Sunday.

He said the murder of Nabeeha showed that kidnappers and bandits were operating unhindered in Nigeria.

He called for the rejig of the country’s security architecture to stop the free rein of criminal elements and guarantee the safety of lives and property.

“I am saddened by reports of the brutal murder of Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar, who was abducted with her siblings and has been in the custody of their abductors for almost two weeks.

“This is yet another reminder that kidnappers and bandits are operating unhindered in our country.

“The security architecture needs to be rejigged to the extent that it stems from the free rein of criminal elements and guarantees the safety of lives and property.

“The security agencies should step up action to rescue the rest who are still in the custody of the kidnappers”, he wrote.

Recall that barely two weeks ago, bandits kidnapped Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar and his six children in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

The deceased, Nabeeha, was among the six children of Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar.

She was laid to rest according to Islamic rites on Saturday.

Nabeeha was a 400-level biological science student at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

Others abducted include: Najeebah (500 level, Quantity Surveying), Nadheerah (300 level, Zoology)

DAILY POST gathered that the kidnappers had earlier contacted the family, demanding N60 million ransom, but now increased to N100 million after Nabeeha’s murder.

The incident caused a stir on social media as Nigerians sought justice for Nabeeha and the release of her siblings.

The spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said, “we have been working on it, but we need some info. We will try our best possible to emplace all necessary measures to rescue them unhurt.”

“But we need to get some information please”, he wrote on X while responding to a post by Ahmed Bashir, former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

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Insecurity: Pantami accuses security agencies of not using NIN-SIM policy to track criminals Published on January 14, 2024
By John Owen Nwachukwu

A former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has accused the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies of refusing to use the NIN-SIM policy to fight insecurity in the country.

Pantami, who was responding to a question from an X user who wondered why so much money was spent on the policy and yet insecurity has remained unabated, said the application of the policy has been a major problem.

This was after the former minister disclosed that a friend of his had offered to pay N50 million of the N60 million ransom demanded by bandits who abducted Alhaji Mansoor Al-Kadriyar’s six children.

“NIN-SIM policy has been working. However, the relevant institutions fighting criminality are to be requested to ensure they utilise it effectively when a crime is committed,” Pantami wrote.

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He stated: “Lack of utilising it is the main problem, not the policy. While in office, I know of three instances where the policy was utilised, and it led to the success of their operations.

On the lack of utilisation, I am more worried than anyone, as my life was threatened by criminals for reintroducing it, including on BBC Hausa and national dailies; I resisted and ensured its implementation.

“If it is not being utilised by the relevant institutions in charge of securing lives and property, then I am more frustrated than any person, as I sacrificed my life and ignored all the threats to life.

“This is just a point out of 100 on the policy. May the Almighty rescue all the kidnapped and bring absolute peace and stability to Nigeria, and may He (SWT) continue to guide our leaders and help them always in discharging their responsibilities.”

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Plateau killings: Concerned Nigerians weigh military option, state of emergency Published on January 10, 2024 By Seun Opejobi

The Christmas Eve massacre of Plateau State indigenes has placed a heavy burden on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, concerned Nigerians say.

DAILY POST recalls that over 200 people were killed by marauding gunmen in Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas of the state on Christmas Eve.

The terrorists invaded about 20 communities, destroying properties and killing natives.

At least two persons were also killed in a renewed attack by assailants in Durbi village of Shere district, Jos East Local Government area, late Saturday night, barely one week after the first attack.

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The continuous attacks and killings in the state has brought to the fore the need for the president to order military formations situated around flashpoints in the state.

The crisis in Plateau State is not unconnected to Fulani herders allegedly trying to claim some areas.

Recently, the Berom and Irigwe natives had cried out over the forceful occupation and renaming of their communities.

A former governor of the State, Jonah Jang, Senator Istifanus Gyang who was a former member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom federal constituency; the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba, all Berom socio-cultural groups, especially its umbrella body, Berom Educational and Cultural Organization, BECO and the Irigwes of Bassa Local Government Area, had appealed that the Federal Government should end land occupation by foreign herders.

The Beroms pointed out some of the communities attacked since 2001 to include “Rotchun (aka Rafin Acha), Dankum (renamed “Mahanga”), Hywa (renamed “Lugere”), Fass (renamed “Tafawa”), Davwak, Chwelnyap, Lyoho Dakar, Angwan Dalyop, Janda, Darin, Shong I, Shong II; Rakweng; Dashugu; Diyan-Hei; Maseh (renamed “Lugel”), Kampwas, Kasa, Zere, Ninja-Hei, Sei, Nicha, Pwabeduk, Hyai, Kufang, Sharu, Dogo, Ningon, Rantis, Angio, Kachin, Shonong, Rahol-Mazat, Chikogo, Ranchol, Nangam, Kak, Dajak, Rarin, Kujei, Attakar, Nantwa and some parts of Bisichi, Kai, Rahol, Luk-Fei, Mallel, Bel, Rahei, Zim, Jong, Rabuk, Lobiring and Gwara Dadep.

To date, natives of these communities have integrated themselves into safer communities and cannot return home, they lamented.

But recounting the latest incident, the assistant youth leader of Maiyanga community in Bokkos Local Government Area, Jeff Mato, said hundreds of terrorists surrounded the neighbouring village of Darwat Hurun at about 5pm on Christmas eve ahead of the attack.

He said: “Before we knew what was happening, they (attackers) started coming toward my village, Maiyanga, to also attack us.

“By that time we were trying to see how we could repel the attack because there were no security personnel on sight, the terrorists struck our village.”

Mato said the terrorists killed 17 persons in Darwat Hurun and nine in Maiyanga, adding that they burnt down over 100 houses, several motorcycles, livestock and made away with a large quantity of food stuff harvested.

Mato recalled that he and many others managed to escape to tell the story.

In trying to find a lasting solution to the crisis, the Arewa Consultative Forum National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Buba, urged President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Plateau State

Affirming the call, an Abuja-based communication strategist, Murkthar Suleiman, said while a state of emergency should be declared in Plateau State, the government should address the issue of resource problem ravaging the state.

Speaking with DAILY POST, Mukhtar said: “I think a state of emergency should be declared in Plateau State.

“However, we need to look at the issues a little bit more critically. I think we have been barking up the wrong tree in our attempt to solve that problem. The issue in Plateau State is not a religious conflict and this is where a lot of Nigerians are getting it wrong.

“The issue in Plateau State is a resource-based conflict, sometimes, just because two sides fight while one predominantly belongs to one religion does not mean religions are at war. It’s a resource conflict they are having.

“Some other states in Nigeria are having the same issues. Ijaws and Itsekiris are at loggerheads in Delta, Idomas and Tivs are at loggerheads in Benue, Igalas and Igbiras are against each other in Kogi State.

“The government needs to look at this more critically and bring all parties together and remove religion while handling the issue of resources because it’s land ownership that is the conflict, they are talking about who owns the state, region; some people consider other people as settlers in their own homes, so that issue needs to be sorted out.

“So if the government decides to declare a state of emergency, then it should look at the root cause, they should look at how the resources can be equitably shared among the warring factions. It’s easy to call it a religious crisis because it fits into our political nuances but that’s not the issue.”

On how to resolve the crisis, Suleiman warned against proffering a military solution to the social crisis, stressing that it would further degenerate the problem.

He said: “You can’t proffer a military solution to a social problem because it will degenerate.

“Look at Borno State, why did the state escalate to what it is today? There was a social problem, but it was not handled; they just threw in the military and it escalated.

“In 2020, when we did research with UNDP, we found out that out of 5,000 Boko Haram members that were sampled, only 9.27 percent said they joined Boko Haram due to religion. That is less than one in every 10 Boko Haram members.

“Most of them said they joined because of grievances they had against how the matter was handled when it started. Some of their sisters were killed, r***d, and this was because we threw a military solution to a social problem.

“We need to find a way that gives room to open dialogue and equitable distribution of resources, so those who feel they have been cheated of their lands by settlers should be addressed with the rehabilitation of the minority group into the majority group. If you trace the history of Jos crisis, it’s a resource problem.”

He added: “I will refer you to TY Danjuma where he alleged collusion on the part of the military. The truth of the matter is that the military and security agencies know those behind these killings.

“The only way to solve this is for the military to come clean and ensure the critical stakeholders are brought to book. It’s like oil bunkery, and we all know those behind oil bunkering in Nigeria. The security agencies are complementary to getting their percentage, that is why they can’t go after them.”

On his part, a constitutional lawyer and rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, said a state of emergency should be declared in the affected local government area with a sole administrator taking over the role of the chairman.

He told DAILY POST: “If security has broken down completely in a state, then a state of emergency might be declared.

“However, if security has not broken down to the level where the state is no longer governable then a state of emergency can’t be declared. Such a declaration has to be guided by the provisions of the constitution.

“We have gone beyond the era of Obasanjo where one man was behaving like a God, where he would remove somebody because he does not like him or his party affiliation.

“If security has broken down in a local government, then you can remove the chairman and put a sole administrator there, that is a military man to restore normalcy. But if the insecurity is such that it affects the entire state then the president can declare a state of emergency.”

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Betta Edu: Billions stolen daily but no money to fund education – Shehu Sani Published on January 10, 2024 By Francis Ugwu

Former lawmaker and social critic Senator Shehu Sani has expressed displeasure with the manner in which political leaders loot the national treasury.

Sani said few individuals in government positions were daily stealing billions of naira while the education sector suffers.

The statement followed allegations of financial misappropriation in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

DAILY POST reported that the duo of ex-minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq and now suspended Minister, Betta Edu, have been interrogated by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, concerning the matter.

Sani decried the fact that tuition fees were “callously” increased in the public universities and polytechnics because “there is no money to fund public tertiary education,” when billions of Naira were being stolen by a few individuals.

He wrote: “Every day new revelations of billions stolen by few individuals; and Tuition fees are callously increased in our public universities and polytechnics because “there is no money to fund public tertiary education”.

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Betta Edu: Nobody too big to be investigated under Tinubu – EFCC Chairman, Olukoyede warns Published on January 10, 2024
By Seun Opejobi

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has warned that nobody is too big to be investigated.

Olukoyede issued the warning in Abuja when the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Musa Adamu Aliyu, paid him a courtesy visit in the wake of the probe of Betta Edu, suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

A leaked memo had exposed how Edu directed the Accountant General of the Federation to pay the sum of N585 million meant for vulnerable people into a private account of one Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.

Following the outrage by Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu suspended Edu while ordering the EFCC to carry out a thorough investigation into the financial misappropriation.

The EFCC Chairman said there is no hiding place for corruption under Tinubu’s administration.

In a statement by EFCC’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, Olukoyede said: “Tinubu is offering the right atmosphere for anti-graft activities, both for the EFCC and ICPC and no Nigerian is immune to investigation for any corruption allegation.

”We believe that with the kind of President we have, who is ready and willing to do the right thing and from what we have seen in recent times and in the last 48 hours, it is clear that he has provided leadership and created the atmosphere for us to work.

“So there is no hiding place for the corrupt. We must give our best, we must be committed and give the President the right support he needs.

“Nobody is too big to be investigated in this country. Once you are not playing according to the rules, we will investigate you.”

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Scandal: EFCC blocks Betta Edu, Sadiya Umar-Farouq from fleeing NigeriaPublished on January 10, 2024By Ogaga Ariemu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has seized the passports of the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, and her predecessor, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, over the ongoing investigations into scandals in the ministry.

A reliable source in the EFCC said the passports of Edu and the former Minister were seized to deter them from fleeing the country while the investigation continued.

“The commission has seized the passports of the two former ministers, Sadiya Umar-Farouq and Betta Edu.

“We have also seized Mrs Halima Shehu’s passport pending the conclusion of investigations. The commission does not want to risk having any of them leave the country while they still have questions to answer,” he said.

DAILY POST reports that Edu arrived at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters around 10 am on Tuesday to answer questions over alleged financial corruption rocking the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Ministry.

The development comes after a leaked memo revealed that Edu requested from the Federation’s Accountant General the payment of N585 million meant for vulnerable people into a private account of one Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.

Following the uproar from Nigerians, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered Edu’s comprehensive probe and investigation of the ministry’s activities.

On her part, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, the former Minister under then President Muhammadu Buhari, was also quizzed over alleged fraud committed under her watch.

The duo are being investigated for fraud amounting to over N40 billion.

In connection with the Edu and Sadiya Umar-Farouq’s investigation, EFCC summoned the Chief Executive Officers of Zenith, Providus and Jaiz banks to its office on Tuesday.

Halima Shehu, the suspended chief executive officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, is also under investigation by the EFCC.

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Obasanjo visits Iwuanyanwu, holds meeting with Ohanaeze leaders Published on January 6, 2024 By Seun Opejobi

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has visited the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu in Owerri, Imo State.

Obasanjo discussed “issues of mutual interest” with Iwuanyanwu alongside other Ohanaeze leaders.

Addressing journalists, Friday, on the outcome of the visit, Secretary General of Ohanaeze, Okey Emuchay said the meeting was very symbolic and crucial as fruitful deliberations were held.

He said: “Issues of mutual interest were discussed. The PG informed Chief Obasanjo that Nigeria should erect monuments in his name for the sacrifices he has made.

“He recalled his role in ending the civil war with the slogan of no victor no vanquished; repayment of huge external debts and recovery of the economy during his time as President.

“He informed the former President that the Igbo nation will bestow honour on him appropriately.

“Remember that when Chief Obasanjo was President, he appointed several Igbo sons and daughters into his cabinet and other high profile positions. A sense of belonging was provided to the Igbo nation during that time.”

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Aiyedatiwa suspends LG caretaker chairmen in Ondo Published on January 3, 2024
By Seun Opejobi

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has suspended caretaker chairmen of the 18 local government areas, LGAs, and 33 local council development areas, LCDAs, in the state.

Aiyedatiwa said the caretaker chairmen are to remain suspended until a court of law determines the matter.

In a letter signed by Alonge Adewale of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the governor directed the suspended caretaker chairmen to hand over all properties belonging to the LCDC.

The letter read: “It has come to the notice of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs that despite the suspension of all recently appointed Caretaker Committee members for Local Government (LGAS) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the State by a Court of competent jurisdiction, some individuals in these former positions are still parading themselves in that posts.

“Consequently, I have been directed to request the Heads of Local Government Administration (HOLGAs) in all the LGAs/LCDAs to immediately assume responsibility as head of their respective Local Government Areas/ LCDAs in acting capacity pending the resolution of all Legal matters relating to this subject.”

An Akure High Court presided over by Justice Yemi Fasanmi had granted an interim injunction filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which sought to restrain late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu from inaugurating any person or persons not democratically elected as member(s) of caretaker committees to administer the affairs of the local councils and the LCDAs, pending the determination of the interlocutory injunction in the suit.

Justice Fasanmi later barred the caretaker chairmen from operating after they resumed office on the excuse that they had been sworn in before the order was granted.

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Amotekun: How Akeredolu’s doggedness shaped South-West security Published on January 3, 2024 By Musliudeen Adebayo

Former Governor, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu was born on 21 July, 1956, and died on Wednesday, 27 December, 2023.

Akeredolu, a native of Owo in Ondo State, was an accomplished lawyer who earned the title of Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON.

Nicknamed Aketi, the fearless lawyer joined partisan politics shortly after he served as President of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA. He also bagged the highest title in the legal profession, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN.

Akeredolu served as governor of Ondo State from 24th February 2017 till his death.

The former governor, according to many of those who have paid tributes to him, left some legacies.

Top among the legacies is the role he played in the establishment of the Western Nigeria Security Network, WNSN, also known as Amotekun.

DAILY POST recalls that South West zone was under siege by the activities of kidnappers, armed robbers and ritual killers at a time.

One major incident at that time was the killing of a 58-year-old daughter of the leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Mrs Funke Olakunrin.

Olakunrin was killed by some people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in Ondo State.

This then infuriated Akeredolu and other stakeholders in the zone to find a lasting solution to the menace.

DAILY POST gathered that although some non-formal security groups such as Soludrero, Agbekoya, Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), Isokan, among others have been in existence, the establishment of Amotekun, which was not an easy task, helped in shaping the security architecture of the region.

Akeredolu, in a bid to rid the zone of criminals, rallied his colleagues from the zone – Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), and Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) to have a unifying local security outfit that will tackle the menace of insecurity in tthe region.

The governors then agreed in 2019 to establish Amotekun so as to strengthen the security situation in the region.

Amotekun was finally launched in Ibadan on Thursday, 9th January 2020, at an event attended by some of the governors and other stakeholders in the region.

Akeredolu, while speaking, declared that the region and its governors strongly believed in the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its indissoluble sovereignty.

The late governor, who spoke as the Chairman, Western Nigeria Governors’ Forum, said that governors in the region were committed, in all ramifications, to the ideals that would make the country stronger and more united, and not to divide it.

Akeredolu said, “Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, it is appropriate for me at this juncture, to state that the Southwest States of the Federation believe in the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its indissoluble sovereignty. We are committed, in all ramifications, to the ideals that will make the country stronger and more united.

“The various nation-states within the Federation are diverse, yet almost all of us agree that our strength is in our unity.

“Consequently, we shall continue to support the Federal Government, under the able and indefatigable leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, in its avowed commitment and determination to take the country to the next level. Let me on this note thank DAWN Commission for the wonderful job done in crafting the operational framework for Amotekun.

“The Commission has taken care of all grey areas that could cause friction in the operations of the personnel that will be deployed for the programme.

“As a matter of fact, the Nigeria Police will oversee and moderate the activities of Amotekun, thus making its operation conform to the acceptable standards.

“Amotekun is the Yoruba name for the Leopard. It is not the Tiger, Ekun. It is also important that I allay the fears of all those who have expressed misgivings as regards the quality of the personnel to be recruited to serve in the outfit. There is an adequate recruitment mechanism for the exercise. The conventional security agencies will participate, actively, in profiling the recruits.

“Nobody with questionable character will participate in the programme. We will make it difficult for undesirable elements to compound the challenges being encountered. Proper background checks will be carried out on personnel to be recruited while the needed registration/identification of such personnel will be done to ensure accountability.

“Let me seize this opportunity to once again appreciate the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police, State Security Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and other security agencies for their unrelenting efforts in combating the various crimes threatening peace and security in the entire country.”

How ex-Attorney General, Abubakar Malami opposed creation of Amotekun

DAILY POST recalls that the then federal government led by former President Muhammadu Buhari opposed Amotekun.

The then government through the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami vehemently kicked against the establishment of Amotekun.

The then federal government described the creation of Amotekun as “unconstitutional’.

Malami, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Umar Gwandu, said the establishment of Amotekun was not backed by any known law in the land.

“The setting up of the paramilitary organization called ‘Amotekun’ is illegal and runs contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian law. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) has established the Army, Navy and Airforce, including the Police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria.

“As a consequence of this, no State Government, whether singly or in a group has the legal right and competence to establish any form of organization or agency for the defence of Nigeria or any of its constituent parts.

“This is sanctioned by the provision of Item 45 of the Second Schedule of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) authorizing the Police and other Federal Government security services established by law to maintain law and order.

“The law will take its natural course in relation to excesses associated with organization, administration and participation in “Amotekun” or continuous association with it as an association.

“Finally, it is important to put on record that the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice was not consulted on the matter. If it had, proper information and guidance would have been offered to ensure that Nigeria’s defence and corporate entity are preserved at all times,” he said then.

Tinubu, Soyinka, Afenifere’s reactions doused tension, paved way for Amotekun’s acceptability

DAILY POST recalls that the controversy over the establishment of Amotekun lasted for many weeks before it subsided.

It became a subject of discussion among Nigerians, especially those from the Western region, both at home and in the Diaspora.

Some of those who spoke at different occasions in support of Amotekun included the incumbent President, Bola Tinubu, who was the national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, at that time.

Others were Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and the pan Yoruba social-cultural group, Afenifere.

Tinubu in his reaction, blamed Malami for acting hastily in declaring Amotekun illegal.

Tinubu, in a statement issued in January 2020 said, “The Governors claimed they consulted regularly with the police and security agencies. This was the right thing to do. However, their failure to include the office of the Attorney-General in these discussions is the source of the current public uproar.

“This was an unfortunate omission the governors should regret and seek to remedy. However, the conceptual merits and positive functional aspects of Amotekun should not be tainted by this procedural defect. While the Attorney-General is a conscientious public servant, he is also human. Not having been consulted, he was suddenly faced with an unexpected public announcement regarding a matter within his official ambit.

“He likely feared the failure to consult him meant that federal prerogatives were being encroached. To blame him for this conclusion would be to blame human nature itself. Though his negative reaction was understandable it was also unhelpful. The Attorney-General acted hastily in rendering a public statement that was more inaccurate than it should have been. Amotekun was never proposed as a “defence” agency; the Attorney-General erred in using this description.

“The use of uniforms and brightly coloured vehicles may not be the best ideas but they do not render Amotekun a defence agency or paramilitary group any more than a designated school van carrying uniformed students constitutes a paramilitary deployment. Believing the governors had crossed the line, the Attorney-General should have reached out to them. Before going public, he should have sought a private meeting so that he could have a better factual understanding of Amotekun.

“This would have enabled him to give the governors any specific constitutional or other objectives he might have. In this way, the two sides would have engaged in private consultations to reach agreement on the way forward. This cooperative process might have helped to correct some of the organisational lapses above identified. Such a diplomatic and wise step also would have prevented the current public acrimony,” he said.

Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, countered Malami.

Soyinka said that Amotekun “has come to stay.”

He condemned the decision of the then Federal Government to outlaw the new security outfit.

“The Amotekun outfit was set up by the SouthWest governors to tackle cases of insecurity in the region which existing security bodies have been unable to address. Operation Amotekun has come to stay,” he said then.

Similarly, Afenifere, in its stand, told the South West governors not to be intimidated by Malami’s declaration.

Fasoranti said, “Operation Amotekun is a welcome development, but they were being asked not to do it. The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, insisted that they would do it.

“I want them to go ahead and do it in the interest of our people; we cannot leave ourselves here, and be helpless in the face of incessant onslaught.

“I think he is talking for somebody. Silence means consent, he is talking the mind of the presidency, that is what they want. It confirms the suspicion that they are trying to protect some interests here in the South-West. I agree with that too, so that they can go on and do what they like with impunity. It is unfortunate.

“It is very bad to leave our people helpless, defenceless and without any succour; without any protection”.

DAILY POST reports that despite the opposition, Akeredolu championed the course of Amotekun till he died.

He said that if the Federal government allowed security outfits in some northern states to bear arms, then Amotekun should be given that right as well.

Our correspondent reports that from Ondo to Ekiti, Osun to Oyo, Ogun to some parts of Lagos State, Amotekun has become a household name in terms of prompt response to security challenges, such as kidnapping, armed robbery and ritual killings.

It is operational in the six South West states of Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun, with the exception of Lagos.

All the five functional states have passed the laws establishing Amotekun in their respective states.

The Ekiti State House of Assembly passed the bill for the establishment of Amotekun into law in February 2020.

The then governor, Kayode Fayemi signed the bill into law in March 2020.

Oyo State House of Assembly followed suit in March 2020.

The bill was subsequently signed into law by governor Seyi Makinde a few days after.

DAILY POST reports that a similar feat was recorded in Osun, Ogun and Ondo.

Sustain Amotekun to immortalise Akeredolu – Oyo NUJ tells South West governors

It is in recognition of the role played by Akeredolu during the establishment of Amotekun that the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo State Council, enjoined the governors in the zone to sustain the security outfit.

The union made this declaration via a communique issued at the end of its monthly congress, presided over by the State Chairman, Comrade Ademola Babalola.

The communique was prepared by the trio of Comrade Seye Ojo – Chairman, Comrade Ismail Fasasi – Secretary and Comrade Mosun Akinola – Member.

It read, “The Congress paid glowing tributes to the immediate past governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN), who died in the early hours of Wednesday December 27, 2023.

“It commiserated with Akeredolu’s family, the people of Ondo State, and South West on his demise after a protracted battle with prostate cancer. It stated that Akeredolu spent a major part of his life in Ibadan and also invested in the city, which made him a rare gem to both Oyo State and Ondo State, his home state.

“The Congress noted that Akeredolu played a significant role in the conceptualisation and formation of Western Nigeria Security Network, otherwise known as Amotekun Corps, which has cascaded down to state security networks in the South West, thereby serving as local police in the geo-political zone with a view to improving the security architecture of the zone.

“The Congress said Akeredolu remained the Chairman South West Governors’ Forum before his demise. He was very articulate and battled with the Federal Government till the formation of the Amotekun Corps.

“The Council also commended the gallant effort and bravery of Akeredolu against the onslaught of criminal herdsmen in the zone, which led to the attack on St Francis Catholic Cathedral in Owo, his hometown in Ondo State, during which bandits killed at least 40 worshippers on Sunday June 5, 2022.

“The Congress appealed to the South West Governors to immortalise Akeredolu by upholding his legacies, especially on the formation of the Amotekun Corps.”

We have made several arrests – Oyo Amotekun Commandant

The Oyo State commandant of Amotekun, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (rtd) while speaking, noted that the security outfit has recorded many achievements since its creation.

He added that many suspects have been arrested.

He noted that some of the cases handled by the security outfit have been transferred to the police.

Olayanju, who spoke during a telephone conversation with DAILY POST, said that the security outfit cannot assess itself but the people.

“How can I assess myself? It is the people that will tell you.

“I cannot tell you that. I know that we have made many arrests. Some have been transferred to the police,” he stated.

Akeredolu institutionalised Amotekun before he died – Chairman, Council of Amotekun commandants

The Chairman, Council of Amotekun commandants in South West, Adetunji Adeleye, while speaking with DAILY POST, said that Akeredolu saw Amotekun beyond himself.

He maintained that what Amotekun has achieved will not be possible without the former governor.

Adeleye, who is also the Commandant of Amotekun in Ondo State, maintained that the former governor institutionalised Amotekun as a full-fledged grassroots security outfit in the state.

He noted that the state was faced with three major security problems such as kidnapping, armed robberies and farmers/ herders clashes.

He, however, said that all the problems have been reduced to the barest minimum since the formation of the security outfit in 2020.

According to him, “In Ondo State, we took the lead in signing into law the Amotekun. When I took up the Amotekun in Ondo State, there were three major security issues- armed robbery, kidnapping and farmers/ herders clashes.

“The most prevalent is the farmers/herders clashes. Within one month of resumption, I received about 5,000 petitions and I moved into action. So within my first 90 days, I arrested over 10,000 cows.

“Substantially, we commenced state patrols. Within one month, we ensured a drastic reduction of crime rate in the state. By the end of 2020, we commenced border patrols between Ondo and Osun and Ekiti states. We rescued over 100 kidnapped victims and arrested many kidnappers.

“Along the line in 2021, Akeredolu made sure that the law establishing Amotekun was reviewed, which gave us more opportunities and legal framework to work, as I talk to you today, I have over 5,000 people in the correctional center. We now prosecute directly without the police.

“As I talk to you today, farmers/herders clashes have reduced by more than 80 per cent. Again, armed robbery has reduced, bank robbery is zero.

“I also want to place it on record, if you look at the news, we recently paraded about 62 criminals out of which about 40 of them are kidnappers. We have rescued over a thousand victims since our inception.

“I will tell you that Akeredolu has institutionalised Amotekun as a full-fledged grassroots security outfit in Ondo State. We do all these with active synergy with all security agencies in Ondo State.

“Luckily, I equally doubled as the Corps Commander and S.A. Security to the government of Ondo State and I am equally the Chairman of the Council of Amotekun commandants in the South West, so this gives me such large zeal to coordinate all the Amotekun in the five active states.

“So, I want to place it on record that all these would not have been possible without the backing of governor Akeredolu. It was like he saw it beyond himself”.

Amotekun’s formation would not be possible without Akeredolu – Maja-Maja

A Yoruba socio-cultural group, Maja-Maja, has declared that what is known today as Amotekun would not be possible without Akeredolu.

Coordinator of the group, Comrade Adedina Akinpelu made this declaration while speaking with DAILY POST.

Akinpelu told DAILY POST that the menace of kidnapping, armed robbery and farmers/herdsmen clashes which prompted the formation of Amotekun have reduced in the region.

“Even when some governors in the Yoruba states moved against him, he led the struggle. He won the struggle.

“In a nutshell, he won the battle. The rate of kidnapping and armed robbery have reduced in the South West. You cannot compare then with what is happening now. We can’t say 100 per cent, but 85 per cent,” he declared.