By Ayo Kehinde
The Federal Government has declared as illegal the recently launched security outfit, Amotekun, by the governors of the South-west in Ibadan.
According to the central government, security remains its exclusive preserve according to the Constitution.
Abubakar Malami, the Attorney-General of the Federation, SAN, made this known in a statement on Tuesday.
His Special Adviser on Media and Public Relations in the Ministry of Justice, Dr. Umar Gwandu, issued the statement.
According to the ministerial aide: “The setting up of the paramilitary organisation 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 air force, including the police and other numerous paramilitary organisations for the purpose of the defence of Nigeria.
“As a consequence of this, no state government, whether singly or in a group has the legal right and competence to establish any form of organisation or agency for the defence of Nigeria or any of its constituent parts.
“This is sanctioned by the provision of Item 45 of the Second Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) authorising the police and other Federal Government security services established by law to maintain law and order.”
“The law will take its natural course in relation to excesses associated with organization, administration and participation in “Amotekun” or continuous association with it as an association.
“Finally, it is important to put on record that the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice was not consulted on the matter. If it had, proper information and guidance would have been offered to ensure that Nigeria’s defence and corporate entity are preserved at all times.”
