Nigeria

Amotekun: Nigerians react, commend southwest governors over new initiative - Poll

Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 2:45 PM by Wale Akinola

- Nigerians have reacted to the launching of Operation Amotekun in southwest

- The southwest governors had on Thursday, January 9, launched operation Amotekun initiatives

- Legit.ng's poll reveals that most Nigerians across ethnic divide commended the governors for the initiative

Despite criticisms against the new security initiative, most Nigerians have commended the southwest governors for the establishment of operation Amotekun in the region.

In a poll conducted by Legit.ng to feel the impulse of Nigerians on what they think about the operation Amotekun initiative, 87% respondents believed that the southwest governors should be commended for the initiative while 13% said the initiative is a threat to the unity of the country.

A Facebook reader, Oduyebo Olusanmi Amos, said the state policing was a welcome initiative to further strengthen security challenges any state may be facing.

He said the outfit was not a bad idea, adding that they should work hand in hand with all law enforcement agencies.

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Amos said: "If we can all be law-abiding there won't be the need for this, but some bad elements in the society needs to be flushed out, and the NPF alone can't do this."

Another reader, Kabir Tijani said: "Good initiative for now but when the insurgent has been eradicated they should be disbanded; because in the long run, they may turn it to political bulldogs."

Oyebola Oluwadamilare Omolayo: "The only issue I have is that, how will Amotekun officers be trained and also will they be using guns and ammunition."

In his response, Abiodun Yahya Adesanya, noted: "This is the beginning of the best to come from the western region of Nigeria, it shall be followed by the best technology can provide for all the teeming youths of this Blessed region!"

Uche Nwogu said: "The southwest leaders have woken up to the reality of our country, congratulations to them and I support the southwest in their positive efforts to save lives."

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Another reader, Edozie Nnaji, noted: "I'm in full support of it, we need more hands to assist the police to curb this is incessant killings, kidnapping, etc going all around Nigeria. Just that they need to be supervised by some kinda body so as not to be hijacked by some disgruntled elements, God bless Nigeria."

Damian Peters, in his response, said: "I am an Igbo man, I support the leopard, lion and tiger, Amotekun warriors to flush them out. Let's let them know the country is not for them alone...we built it together and we will divide it in peace or in pieces."

Another respondent, Osarenoma Julius Ekhorutomwen, noted: "It is good but the governors will soon start using it against their opponents instead of fighting the security it was created for. That is why state policing in Nigeria will not work cos it will be controlled by the elites and those in power."