Confusion as FG declares Operation “Amotekun” illegal
The regional security outfit, Amotekun, newly established by the SouthWest geopolitical zone of the country has been declared illegal by the Federal Government.
According to the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) the establishment of the regional security outfit is not backed by any law of the country.
In a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Dr Umar Gwandu, the government said the establishment of AMOTEKUN is contrary to the provision of the Nigerian law.
The statement reads in part: “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.”
In his reaction to the stand of the federal government, the Governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu promised to adequately respond to the office of the Attorney General of the federation when all the governors in the South West would have met.
