Anthony Iwuoma
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, has debunked insinuations that the newly established South West Security Network, Operation Amotekun, is geared towards the secession of South-west from the country.
Akeredolu, who is also the Chairman, South-west Governors Forum, insisted that those nursing such fears would soon be disappointed when Amotekun goes into full operation.
According to him, Amotekun is a child of necessity created to arrest deplorable security situation in the region.
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Addressing select editors at Ondo Government House in Akure, the state capital, during his third year anniversary as governor at the weekend, Akeredolu averred that: “This country will remain one. The South West will not secede from Nigeria. We will continue to live together regardless of our diversities. I, Rotimi Akeredolu, can never be a party to any arrangement that will lead to dividing this country. I am a Yoruba man and I married from the East. I am a detribalised Nigerian. My wife is Igbo and I have benefitted from both Igbo and Hausa people. So, I am after the unity of Nigeria.”
He disclosed that they briefed the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, before floating the security outfit and was, therefore, shocked when “the Federal Government declared Operation Amotekun illegal,” adding, however, that Amotekun has come to stay, even as he commended all the leaders that supported creation of the security outfit.
Akeredolu reeled out his achievements in office, including the construction of a multi-billion naira flyover and an industrial park in Ore. He added that his administration also constructed roads across all the 18 local government areas in the state.
The spokesperson of the editors, Ayodele Ojo, who is the editor of New Telegraph, lauded the South-west governors for resisting opposition of the Federal Government and going ahead to set up Amotekun. He also commended the governor on his achievements in office.