Six days after the inauguration of “Amotekun”, Southwest regional Security outfit, the Federal Government has declared it as illegal, saying it is not backed by any law.ln declaring it “illegal”, the federal government said defence and security is on the federal Exclusive List and not with the state.
“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,” Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami said in a statement.
The statement was signed by the Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Dr. Umar Gwandu.
He said his office was not consulted and therefore, it is a nullity.
Malami said: “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.”
PerSecondnews recalls that Southwest governors had on January 9 launched the security outfit in Ibadan to curtail insecurity in the region.
Only three governors — Akeredolu (Ondo), Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and Seyi Makinde were present at the event witnessed by the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and other prominent Yoruba leaders.
Governor Solomon Lalong of Plateau, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN) and Prof. Wole Soyinka among others had endorsed the initiative.
Lalong, the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, said the North’s outfit was in the offing
