Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state has said the Western Nigeria Security Network, otherwise known as Amotekun, has earned the trust of the people of the South-West by confronting the security challenges bedevilling the region.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, who spoke on Monday, said the tireless efforts of the regional security agency have not only saved the people but also restored their sense of security by confronting terrorists and kidnappers tormenting the people.

“AMOTEKUN Corps’ lofty journey has been one of remarkable achievements and unwavering resilience. Our brave men and women have scaled the most daunting challenges, confronting terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers with unwavering courage,” the governor said.  

He explained that Amotekun, which was originally conceived by the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu with other South-West governors, has become a  shining example of the transformative power of state-level security, rending protection to the people

“Interestingly, a glimmer of hope emerged from the heart of Ondo state with the birth of the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as AMOTEKUN Corps. Under the visionary leadership of my late principal and former governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, in collaboration with his fellow governor in the South West, this groundbreaking home-grown initiative was evolved. AMOTEKUN has soared to unprecedented heights, becoming a shining example of the transformative power of state-level security.

“They have forged deep connections with our communities, earning the trust and respect of the very people they serve. Their tireless efforts have not only saved countless lives but also restored a sense of security,” Mr Aiyedatiwa said at the ongoing annual general conference of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) holding in Lagos.

Noting that Amotekun has come to stay, most especially in Ondo, Mr Aiyedatiwa explained that the local security outfit has delivered on its mandate, adding that it would be funded to improve its operations.

According to him, “I am proud to say that AMOTEKUN has delivered. It has brought a measure of peace and security to our people, a peace that had long been elusive.

“This home-grown initiative has demonstrated that when we trust in our communities, when we empower them when we give them the responsibility and the resources to secure their own lives and property, they can achieve remarkable results.

“The synergy between AMOTEKUN and other security agencies has placed Ondo state as one of the most peaceful and secure states in Nigeria today.”

While urging other states of the federation to replicate the Amotekun model, the governor also noted that the time has come for the creation of state police in Nigeria as part of the critical solutions to security challenges in the country.

He observed that the conventional security agencies, which were once envisioned as the protector of the people, have failed and proved incapacitated in the face of the security challenges in the country.  

“The centralised policing structure, once envisioned as the protector and servant of the people, has proven inadequate in the face of the complex and evolving security challenges of our time.

“It has failed to shield us from the marauders who strike fear into the hearts of our citizens. It is limited in its capacity to bring to justice those who have turned our highways into death traps and our farmlands into killing fields,” Mr Aiyedatiwa posited.

He, however, added that Ondo is now peaceful with the protection from men of the Amotekun corps, stressing that it also remained a haven and desired destination for local and foreign investors.

Adetunji Adeleye, state commander of Amotekun, who also spoke at the event, saluted Mr Aiyedatiwa for not abandoning the legacy of his predecessor through the adequate funding of the security outfit.

Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, commended the Ondo state model of Amotekun, urging the federal government to heed the call of Nigerians for the creation of state police.

In his remarks, the NBA president, Yakubu Maikyau, commended Mr Aiyedatiwa and also stressed that the bar would support the call for state police.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, who was the chairman of the event, delivered a lecture at the Breakout Session on Ondo State tagged: “Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Leadership Series: Is State Police a Solution to National Insecurity?”