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South-South Governors to establish regional security outfit

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South-South Governors at the end of their meeting in Bayelsa State

State governors in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone have resolved to establish a strong regional security network.

The governors, under the aegis of the South-South Governors’ Forum made the disclosure after their meeting on Tuesday, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

In a communique issued after the meeting, the governors reasoned that they aim to “establish a robust, structured regional security network to enhance safety and security in the South-South.”

They also expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bill, with a caveat.

They urged the president to extend the proposed VAT sharing percentages to other areas of derivation, such as oil and gas.

They also urged the Federal Government to expedite the completion of the East-West Road, a critical infrastructure that links the region’s states.

The forum furthermore called for the activation of the railway line in Port Harcourt and its connection to other states in the region.

Other key resolutions from the meeting include:

– Economic Diversification: Encouraging member states to broaden their economic horizons by diversifying beyond oil and gas.

– BRACED Commission: Reinvigorating the BRACED Commission to better represent the interests and aspirations of communities in the region.

Earlier, the governors unanimously picked Douye Diri, as chairman of the Forum.

Cross River Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, emerged as vice chairman of the forum.

Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, moved the motion nominating Diri while his Rivers State counterpart, Siminalayi Fubara, seconded it.

The forum comprises governors from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers states.

Just like Amotekun

The proposed security outfit seems to be a replica of the now-famous Operation Amotekun domiciled in the Southwest geopolitical zone.

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Operation Amotekun is a regional security outfit established by the six states in the South West region of Nigeria.

The name “Amotekun” is derived from the Yoruba language, meaning “leopard” or “a strong and powerful animal that cannot be defeated.”

Operation Amotekun was launched on January 9, 2020, by the governors of the six states in the South West region of Nigeria: Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo.

The primary objective of Operation Amotekun is to provide additional security for the people of the South West region, complementing the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force.

The outfit aims to address various security challenges, including kidnapping, armed robbery, ritual killings, and Fulani herdsmen-farmers clash.

Operation Amotekun is a collaborative effort between the six states in the South West region.

Each state has its own Amotekun corps, with a centralized command structure.

The personnel of Operation Amotekun are recruited from the six states in the South West region.

The recruits undergo training in various aspects of security, including combat, surveillance, and intelligence gathering.

Operation Amotekun is equipped with various security gadgets, including vehicles, motorcycles, and communication equipment.

The establishment of Operation Amotekun was initially met with controversy, with some critics arguing that it was an attempt to create a regional militia.

However, the governors of the South West states have consistently maintained that the outfit is a necessary response to the security challenges facing the region.

In August 2020, the governors of the South West states signed a bill establishing Operation Amotekun as a legal entity.

The bill was subsequently passed into law by the state assemblies, giving Operation Amotekun a legal backing.

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Operation Amotekun has been involved in various security operations in the South West region, including the arrest of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, and ritual killers.

The outfit has also been involved in joint operations with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies.


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