The federal government through the office of the attorney
general of the federation has declared the newly formed ‘Amotekun‘security
outfit as illegal.
It urged its conveners to discontinue the outfit stating
that no other authority at the state level, whether the executive or
legislature has the legal authority over defence.
Grow your business with us
In a release signed by Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, Special
Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Office of the Attorney-General of the
Federation and Minister of Justice, it reads “ 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 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 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 organization or agency for the defence of Nigeria or any of its constituent
parts.
The statement continues, “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.”