How I will Boost Security in Ondo State-Brig. Gen. Ohunyeye (Rtd)PhD

By Iyojo Ameh

An All Progressive Congress governorship aspirant in Ondo State, Brigadier General Olamide Ohunyeye (Rtd) PhD has said securing the state is one of his cardinal project if he emerged governor of the state.

Ohunyeye stated this while discussing his plan for the state on a TVC programme, Politics Tonight.

He noted that with his experience as a retired military officer, he has an effective action plan to secure the state.

The retired military officer said reorganising the Ondo State South West Security Network, codenamed “Amotekun” will be his first move to reposition the outfit for improved efficiency.

He commended the late governor of the state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN for the initiative, noting that crime rate has reduced in the state since the establishment of Amotekun.

He said; “the first thing that has to be done is to conduct a comprehensive audit of the entire blueprint that regulate the operations, the equipment holdings and everything about the modus operandi of Amotekun. In doing this, we are going to look at the training level. Is Amotekun properly trained? If it is not well trained, what measures of training and the facilities do we provide to ensure we strengthen Amotekun.

“We will look at Amotekun equipment holdings, especially the vehicles, telecommunication devices, we look at the weapons they hold and ensure first and foremost that they align with the provisions of the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we ensure that they are adequate and commensurate with the roles given to Amotekun. The intelligence gathering abilities we are going to strengthen them.”

Ohunyeye added that there would be an improved synergy between Amotekun and other security agencies for prevention of and quick response to security threats.

On the possibility of Amotekun transforming to a state police when passed into law, he said South West states have an advantage of elevating the outfit to state police.

“Amotekun can easily transform into a state police and the framework will simply be upgraded to align with what the government is going to come up with as blueprint for the operation of state police. I believe the personnel can easily be converted and upgraded, equipment can be upgraded, the logistics, transportation and communication can easily be upgraded. So it is a welcome development that we may have state police,” Ohunyeye stressed.

He urged government to address the fears surrounding the establishment of state police such as political interference and possible use to oppress opposition by ruling parties.