Controversies have continued to trail the recent inauguration of Western Nigeria Security Network by south west governors in Nigeria, code named "Amotekun". The launching of the South West regional militia outfit on 9th January 2020 triggered reactions from within and outside the country.

This led to the declaration of the arrangement as illegal by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami. Most public affairs commentators and analysts applauded the action of the AGF by noting that the South West Governors who were fronting for their power brokers were only skimming to set up the militia group in other to actualize the creation of Oduduwa Republic should they lose out in 2023.
The six South West Governors led by Kayode Fayemi remained adamant despite this outcry. This led to series of campaigns and protest against the formation of the militia group across and outside the region. Notably was the 17th protest March in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State by some youths that were drawn from the six South Western States. The group which came under the banner of "Yoruba Appraisal Forum” called for the scrapping of the militia outfit.

They confirmed that they have uncovered the plot by Governors to use the group to destabilize the region and by extension the country in 2023. this was expressed through different placards they displayed which read: "Amotekun Will turn Youths to Militia Group". "Amotekun Can Bring Proliferation of Arms". The coordinator of the group Mr. Adeshina Animasaun was quoted as admitting that the Amotekun project has been hijacked by those nursing ambition in 2023.

The coming of Amotekun amidst prevailing security challenges poses a serious threat to the fragile internal security of Nigeria. The group which metamorphosed through the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) with notoriety for violence remains a cause of concern to all and sundry in the country. This is going by past experience with threats from ethnic and social groups which have been acting the political sphere since the return to democratic rule in 1999.

The continuous threat emanating from the activities of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), as well as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), among other ethnic militia groups on the socio-economic development of the country is clear picture of what the country is bound to witness should it allow the group to exist.

Concerted efforts should be made by the Federal Government to prevent the South West Governors from equipping and funding this militia group that has been set up by selfish and unscrupulous individuals who are bent on destabilising the country. The nation's security agencies including the Police, the Military, DSS and others must ensure that this group and their handlers comply with directives and warnings of the Federal Government on the existence of the group.


Kolawole Adeyemi writes from Osogbo.



@OAM4J, @Mynd44
OAM4J, Mynd44

All the trailing controversies will soon be settled by coronavirus.

@ op, are you just back from Saturn or prison?

Amotekun since when?

Amotekun was just an audio bubuhaha designed by politicians of South West.

Up till now, no sight of them, no arrest, no any single operation.

Convik-1 9 has killed it. I no longer hear about it