The Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has criticised the Federal Government, emphasising that the Country cannot have two systems.
Akeredolu disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, while reacting to the video of the Katsina security outfit obtaining the approval to bear arms.
Recall that the Federal Government had denied the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun Corps right to carry arms despite terror attacks.
The Governor emphasised that denying Amotekun the rights to legitimately bear arms, is a contradiction on the basis of true Federalism Nigerians are clamouring for.
He said; “That Katsina was able to arm its State security force, with the display of AK47 means we are pursuing one Country, two systems solution to the National question.’’
“If the Katsina situation confers advantages on some, in the face of commonly faced existential threats, it means that our unitary policing system, which has failed, is a deliberate method of subjugation which must be challenged.”
Akeredolu said Nigeria’s Independence agreement is based on a Democratic arrangement to have a Federal state and delegate Internal security mechanics.
He noted that denying Amotekun the right to bear arms exposes the South -West to life-threatening marauders and organised crime.
“It is also a deliberate destruction of our agricultural sector. It is an existential threat. We want to reiterate that what is sauce for the goose, is sauce for the gander.”
The statement also declared that the Ondo Government, under the doctrine of necessity, “have decided to fulfil its Legal, Constitutional and moral duty to the citizens of the State, by acquiring arms to protect them”.
“This is more so, given that the bandits have unchecked access to sophisticated weapons. The State government cannot look on while its citizens are being terrorized and murdered with impunity. We will defend our people.”