Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State insisted yesterday that state security forces in the country must have access to sophisticated weapons in order to combat insecurity.
This was stated by Akeredolu during the Passing-Out Parade of Courses 3 and 4 of the State Amotekun Corps in Akure.
His words: “State Security outfits backed by law whether in Western Nigeria, Katsina, Borno, Benue or any Northern state must have access to the same sophisticated weapons that the marauders have. Anything else is a contradiction in terms.
“It is evident that the current internal security framework in the country is ineffectual. The response of the subnationals by setting up their outfits is welcome, necessary, and has become indispensable.
“Everyone must be given the same access to outgun the criminals. Without uniformity nationwide, the threat to the cohesion of the state will continue.
“The fight back against marauders committing crimes against humanity must allow subnational and regional authorities to have the tools, the most sophisticated weapons available which the marauders already have in abundance.
“Without providing the sub-national security forces to be a counter-balancing force we have a crisis which strikes at the heart of the conception and the definition of the state itself.”
Speaking on the training, the Ondo State governor said: “Those passing out have undergone rigorous training at great expense to the state. The training will not end here it will be continuous.
“However, no amount of training will mask the debilitation of fighting with one arm tied against implacable foes.
“Amotekun must, therefore, be armed and will be armed and be backed by law. Otherwise, the training will be inadequate and we will be placing the lives of these great patriots in danger.
“The key guiding principles which you must adhere to at all times include Spartan discipline, zero-tolerance to bribery and abuse of power, prompt response to distress calls and display of professionalism in the discharge of your duties. No form of misconduct shall be tolerated.”