By Dayo Omoogun
The Federal Government has declared that the recently launched security initiative by the governors of the South-West geo-political zone to tackle the rising incidences
of kidnapping and other criminal activities, codenamed “Amotekun”, is illegal.
The Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami, made this known in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Relations Dr. Umar Jubrilu Gwandu.
Part of the statement read as follows:
“Federal Republic of Nigeria is a sovereign entity and is governed by laws meant to sustain its corporate existence as a constitutional democracy. It is a Federation of states, but with the Federal Government superintending over matters of national interests.
“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.”