By Steve Oni, Ilorin
National President, Oodua Progressives Care Initiative (OPCI), Dr. Maruf Olanrewaju, has decried criticisms in certain quarters against the recent launch of ‘Operation Amotekun’ by the six South West Governors to tackle security challenges in the zone.
Rather than condemnation, Olanrewaju, who saw the launch as a good development and long overdue, said the South West Governors need to be praised for taking the bull by the horns and the right decision at this point in time when security challenges across the country appear to have overwhelmed the security personnel who, he noted, are grossly inadequate to arrest the ugly and nauseating situation.
He said: “You will agree with me that an emergency situation needs an emergency approach, before now, South West was known for its peace, harmony and friendliness to other tribes. Unfortunately, however, some migrants see the opportunities given them to move freely and do their legitimate businesses without any form of questioning and intimidation as an opportunity to inject their criminal ideologies into the region.
“Though I am one of the strong advocates for the establishment of state police, through restructuring, ‘Operation Amotekun’ is not the same as state police that we are clamouring for. But half bread, they say, is far better than nothing, so kudos to the Governors. It is therefore preposterous for anyone to equate ‘Operation Amotekun’ with state police. Those doing so are simply being mischievous and may be they are benefiting from the current nagging security situation. ‘Operation Amotekun’ will only complement the police and other security agencies to strengthen security network in South West.”
The OPCI National President, who noted that strong criticisms against the new security outfit are coming particularly from the northern part of the country said: “It is unfortunate that some elements of disunity and destruction in the North are calling for dissolution of the South West security outfit, and have started beating the drums of war. If their leaders and governors in the North fail to protect them against all the calamities that have been befallen them, we appreciate and commend our Governors in South West for doing what they are supposed to do as chief security officers in their respective states.
“The Arewa youth have no locus standi or any moral justification whatsoever to dabble into issues they are less concerned with, they should rather advise their Governors to brace up and do something meaningful and tangible in order to protect them. After all, there are some governors in the north who are ready to key into the South West initiative with a view to replicating it in the region. This should be the pragmatic approach by all and sundry if we are to overcome our security challenges.
“In year 2000 when Sanni Yerima, then Zamfara state governor, introduced the Sharia in Zamfara state, nobody in South West called for Yerima’s head, he believed that amputating his people’s hands and legs was what fitted them and he did it, so now why are they crying wolves when there is none.
“Why are they afraid of ‘Operation Amotekun’? And if Meyetti group believes that they can cause unrest in South West they will meet us at home, nobody has monopoly of violence, we shall meet iron with iron.”
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