Speaking at the 64th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ondo State Governor, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, passionately advocated for the establishment of state police as a constitutional right to address the nation’s escalating security challenges.
In his speech, Governor Aiyedatiwa highlighted the urgent need for decentralised security, stating, “For too long, our country has grappled with the scourge of insecurity, watching helplessly as the centralised policing model has proven woefully inadequate in the face of evolving threats.”
Aiyedatiwa paid tribute to the late Governor Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, lauding his visionary leadership in establishing the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as AMOTEKUN Corps.
“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 Governors in the South West, this groundbreaking home-grown initiative was evolved,” he remarked.
He further emphasized, “AMOTEKUN represents our commitment to empowering our people, giving them the tools they need to take ownership of their own security.”
The governor noted that AMOTEKUN has significantly contributed to the peace and security of Ondo State, serving as a testament to the potential success of state-level security solutions.
Addressing concerns about state policing, Governor Aiyedatiwa asserted, “We must however acknowledge the concerns that have been raised in some quarters – issues of abuse, training, funding and political interference. But I firmly believe that with the right safeguards and governance structures in place, state policing can be the transformative solution we so desperately need.”
In closing, Aiyedatiwa called for a multi-faceted approach to tackling insecurity, underscoring the importance of addressing underlying economic, social, and political factors.
“It is not enough to deploy more troops, and to increase the number of security patrols. We must address the underlying economic, social, and political factors that drive insecurity,” he urged.
The governor concluded his speech with a rallying call, “Let us rise above the challenges and embrace the promise of state policing: a vision that the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, fought for, so passionately. Let us honour his legacy by ensuring that AMOTEKUN Corps and its counterparts across the country become institutions that stand the test of time and beacons of hope in the fight against insecurity.”
This special session was held in honour of the late Governor Akeredolu, whose “legacy continues to resonate,” as Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed gratitude to the NBA and dignitaries present.
