The Federal Government literarily snuffed out life out of the newly-formed Operation Amotekun in the South West by declaring it illegal.
The federal government’s pronouncement is coming barely one week after governors from the region came together to launch the security outfit to improve security in the zone.
The government, in a statement issued by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), described the security outfit as “illegal”
The statement signed by Malami’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Relations, Umar Gwandu, said security of the country remains exclusive preserve of the federal government.
Full Statement reads:
Press Release on the Paramilitary Organisation named “Amotekun”
Federal Republic of Nigeria is a sovereign entity and is governed by laws meant to sustain its corporate existence as a constitutional democracy. It is a Federation of states, but with the Federal Government superintending over matters of national interests. The division of executive and legislative authority between the Federal and State Governments has been clearly defined by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
It is against the same background that matters relating to the peace, order and good government of the Federation and in particular, the defence of the country, are enshrined in the Exclusive Legislative List. The Second Schedule in Item 17 deals with defence. This is a matter that is within the exclusive operational competence of the Federal of Government of Nigeria. No other authority at the state level, whether the executive or legislature has the legal authority over defence.
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 other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria.
