The government, through the Attorney-General of the
Federation, Abubakar Malami, said that the group runs contrary to the
provisions of the Nigerian laws.
The Nigerian Government has opposed the establishment of
‘Operation Amotekun’ by South-West states, branding it as an illegal
institution.
The government, through the Attorney-General of the
Federation, Abubakar Malami, said that the group runs contrary to the
provisions of the Nigerian laws.
Malami added that no state government haf the right to set
up any form of organisation to protect its territory without approval from the
federal government.
A statement by Malami reads, “The setting up of the
paramilitary organisation 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 air force, 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 organisation 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) authorising the police and other Federal Government security services
established by law to maintain law and order.”
Recall that Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, had commended the
launch of regional security group by the six governors of the South-West
region.
Governors of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti and Osun states
had united to launch ‘Operation Amotekun’ to combat insecurity and crime in the
region.
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