By Modupe Gbadeyanka
An agreement has been reached between the federal government and the six South West States of the federation over the establishment of the controversial regional security outfit known as Amotekun.
On Thursday, after the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, he held a crucial meeting with Governors of the South West States in Abuja, where the issue was broadly discussed.
Those present were Chairman of the South West Governors Forum, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu of Info State; Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Mr Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr Femi Hamzat; Inspector General of Police, Mr Muhammed Adamu; Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami; amongst few others.
It was learned that the meeting was at the instance of the Governors, who had asked to see President Muhammadu Buhari over the controversy surrounding the Amotekun initiative. However, due to the President’s foreign engagement, he asked the Vice President to host the meeting.
The meeting was said to have been very fruitful and unanimous resolutions were made on the way forward.
Having regard to the need for all hands to be on deck in addressing the security concerns across the country, it was agreed that the structure of Amotekun should also align with the Community Policing strategy of the federal government.
It was also agreed that necessary legal instruments will be put in place by each of the states to give legal backing to the Amotekun initiative and address all issues concerning the regulation of the security structure.
This development comes a day after a national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Bola Tinubu, released a statement calling on parties involved to dialogue on how to smoothen the establishment of the security organisation aimed tackle kidnappings, killings and other challenges in the region.
Adedapo Adesanya