Amotekun: We’ll respond appropriately to FG’s stance – Fayemi

Ekiti state governor, Kayode Fayemi, has spoken about the federal government’s decision to declare Operation Amotekun of the nation’s South west geopolitical zone illegal.

Recall that the six south-west governors floated the security outfit last Thursday to end kidnapping, banditry and other crimes in the zone.

Fayemi who was one of the arrowheads and visible governors in support of the initiative said his colleagues in the southwest will respond appropriately to the government’s decision.

Earlier, The Herald reported that the federal government declared Operation Amotekun illegal.

According to Abubakar Malami,  there is no provision to accommodate the paramilitary organisation in the Nigerian constitution, hence it is declared illegal.

The Attorney General who issued a statement to this effect also disclosed that his office was not consulted before the operation was launched.

He said: “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.

“Finally, it is important to put on record that the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice was not consulted on the matter.”