Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun on Friday signed the State’s Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps Establishment Bill into law.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the State House of Assembly had on March 3 passed the bill after a public hearing seeking stakeholders’ contributions.
Speaking at the forum, Mr Oyetola said that assenting to the bill signified a declaration of war on criminals in the state and its environs.
The governor said with the new law, the state was prepared to go to any legitimate length to ensure that criminals in the state had no breathing space.
Mr Oyetola, who noted that the Amotekun law would complement other security laws, said it would further enhance the profile of Osun as the most peaceful state and preferred investment destination in the country.
“The bill that is due for signing today is the product of the collective will of the people of Osun.
”This is a testament to the high premium we place on the security and welfare of the people as an administration pursuant to the provisions of Section 14 (2) of the 1999 Constitution.
“I therefore, enjoin citizens and residents of the state to “adhere to the spirit and letter of the law and respect the Amotekun personnel as they labour earnestly to protect us and the state.
“The economic and investment transformation that we promised the people of Osun can only be realised in a secured atmosphere,” the governor said.
He expressed gratitude to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, and other lawmakers for “working tireleslsy on the bill in the interest of safety and security of the state and the people.”
Earlier, while presenting the bill to the governor, Owoeye said the lawmakers were appreciative of the opportunity given to them to legislate on the bill.
“I believe that with your assent on this bill, it will reduce drastically the security challenges facing our region and our state.
“On our part as legislature, we have done what is necessary in considering the bill letter to letter,” Mr Owoeye added.
NAN
