Makinde signs ‘Amotekun’ bill into law
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state on Tuesday signed the Oyo state Security Network Agency (Amotekun) bill, 2020 into law.
Governors in the south-west region under the chairmanship of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state had on January 9, in Ibadan, launched the ‘Amotekun’ initiative.
The launch necessitated the process of giving legal backing to the initiative by the state Houses of Assembly in the six states of the south-west and on February 24, the Oyo state House of Assembly held a public hearing on the bill and passed it on March 3.
In his remarks after signing the bill, Gov. Makinde said that the process for the establishment of ‘Amotekun’ security outfit started in July, 2019.
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He said the initiative was purely to complement the existing security agencies in tackling security challenges and not a replacement for the existing ones.
The governor noted that security agencies have been stretched to the limit, stressing that there were challenges in the north-east where some of the personnel were deployed.
“But, we still need to create a safe and secure environment at the state and local government levels so that our people can go about their lawful business.
” I’m also using this opportunity to thank our security agencies for the work they are doing,” he stated.
The governor warned criminally minded people to stay away from Oyo state and the entire south-west geo political zone, saying “Amotekun would get them if they refuse to leave.”
He gave an assurance to investors to come to Oyo state, saying the state is safe and secure for business.
The state Deputy Governor, Rauf Olaniyan, Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubanwo Adeosun, Chief of Staff, Bisi Ilaka and other top government functionaries witnessed the signing of the bill.
Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Debo Ogundoyin, led other lawmakers to present the bill to the governor for his assent.
