Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has replied the presidency after it said no state has been authorized to procure automatic weapons for its security outfit.
Akeredolu in a statement released by his spokesperson Richard Olatunde, said FG’s reason for refusing to allow state security outfits to carry arms is no longer feasible given the current security issues in the country.
The Governor also asked why presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu is now defending the Katsina state government when the state government is yet to openly deny the claim of use of AK47 by Vigilantes of Katsina State during training.
He said: “His attempt to justify the use of AK47 by the Vigilantes of Katsina State for training stands logic on its head.
“The report by the TVC News that went viral showed the Kastina State Vigilante training with AK47. This is the same weapon (whose) approval has vehemently been refused for the use of Amotekun Corps and other State Security Outfits.
“The questions Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, asks are: Where did the guns come from? Who approved their use? Were the guns returned to the armoury after use? The AK47, as seen from the TVC news report, was about usage. If not, what purpose does training with the guns serve?
“It is rather suspicious that Garba Shehu elected himself as the spokesperson for the Katsina State government, whereas, the Katsina State has not come out openly to deny the statement of Governor Akeredolu on the use of AK47 by Vigilantes of Katsina State during training.
“Governor Akeredolu has reiterated that State Security outfits backed by law whether in the Western Nigeria, Katsina, Borno, Benue or any Northern State must have access to the same sophisticated weapons that the criminals have. It time to face down these enemies of the people.”
Akeredolu who reiterated that he can’t fight gunmen with bare hands added that he is very much committed to the realization of a constitutional amendment to reflect the current realities.
He said: “It is illogical to continue to fight hardened marauders who bear sophisticated weaponry to kidnap and maim our people with bare hands. We cannot fight armed enemies of the people with our bare hands.
“It is our firm belief that the government has a fundamental duty to protect the people. It is a task that must be accomplished without excuse.
“Governor Akeredolu is determined to spare no efforts in protecting the people. He has vowed to explore every available legal and constitutional means to secure the state and its people.
“Every Governor swore to an oath to protect the state and the people. The sub-national must be allowed to put in place security forces as a counter-balancing force to face these marauders who have unchecked access to sophisticated weapons.
“It is high time we tackled these conflict entrepreneurs and restore the confidence of the people. We cannot do the same thing time and again and expect a different result.
“Governor Akeredolu is irrevocably committed to the security of the people, particularly his state. He will continue to speak up in defence of the people. He is very much committed to the realisation of a constitutional amendment to reflect the current realities.”
