Oyo Assembly urges Makinde to provide stations for Amotekun

The Oyo State House of Assembly has urged Governor Seyi Makinde to establish conducive operational stations for the Oyo State Security Network (Amotekun) to enhance their efficiency and boost their morale.

The lawmakers made the call during the plenary sitting presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Muhammed Fadeyi.

The calls were contained in the resolutions passed by the lawmakers on the motion moved by the member representing Ibadan North East state constituency 1, Hon. Abiodun Babalola, on the “Need for the Executive arm of government in collaboration with all local government areas to construct suitable stations across local government areas for the Oyo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, to enhance the operations of the Agency.”

In the motion seconded by Hon. Olorunpoto Abdulraham from Oyo East/West constituency, Hon. Babalola said Amotekun, since its establishment in 2020, has been instrumental in reducing crime rates and enhancing security operations in the state.

The lawmaker disclosed that Amotekun’s commitment to addressing security challenges, including kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of criminality, cannot be overemphasised. He added that its effective collaboration with other security agencies in the state has improved intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and bolstered public confidence.

While calling on the state government to provide the agency with conducive, suitable, and well-equipped stations across the 33 local government areas in the state, Hon. Babalola praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his support in boosting the operational capacity of the Agency.

“The notable achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration in enhancing the security architecture of Oyo State include the provision of 100 operational vehicles, communication equipment, and logistics support, as well as the recruitment of an additional 500 Amotekun corps members.

“The security outfit has been instrumental in addressing various security challenges and contributing significantly to the safety and well-being of the people. Despite its commendable achievements, the conditions of the offices and stations where Amotekun officers operate are often deplorable.

“Constructing modern, well-equipped stations for Amotekun in all local government areas is essential for their operations,” Hon. Babalola said.

The lawmaker also urged well-meaning individuals in various local government areas to support the initiative by joining hands with the government to ensure its successful implementation.

Hon. Dawud Olalere, Chairman of the House Committee on Security, maintained that the absorption of Amotekun corps members into the civil service would give them the confidence to perform their duties diligently.

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As Chairman of the Committee on Security in the state House of Assembly, the lawmaker said the House has been receiving numerous complaints regarding the job security of Amotekun corps members.

He, therefore, suggested that absorbing them into the mainstream of the civil service would guarantee their job security and boost their morale in discharging their duties.

Hon. Babajide Adebayo, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, and Hon. Monsuru Abiola, who also spoke on the motion, commended Hon. Babalola, describing the motion as timely.

They acknowledged the commitment of Amotekun in fighting crime, stating that providing them with suitable stations would enhance their performance and strengthen the security architecture of the state.

Passing the resolutions, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Muhammed Fadeyi, stated that the Oyo State House of Assembly would continue to work with the executive arm of government to ensure that the state is secure.

Assuring the Amotekun corps members of job security, the Deputy Speaker said the security outfit has come to stay in Oyo State.

He assured that the House would work on all the resolutions to ensure they are implemented, even considering amending the law that established the agency if the need arises.