That Yoruba warlord, Sunday Igboho was in Ogun State on Monday, February 1st, 20201 to flush out bandits herdsmen is an established fact.
However, the Ogun State Government has refuted reports in a national daily and some social media platform insinuating that it had enlisted his help to combat crimes in the state.
A statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Abdulwaheed Odusile said;
“In the interview, Hon Hazzan had said that the state government, in its usual inclusive approach to governance, would continue to work with all the stakeholders, both within and outside the state, to ensure the security of lives and properties.”
“Sadly, however, this statement was disingenuously twisted to mean that the State had invited Mr. Adeyemo to help curb insecurity. This is regrettable and totally misleading”.
“Prince Dapo Abiodun’s-led administration, since inception, has been known to be inclusive in its approach, always collaborating and engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.”
“Security is no exception, resulting in the achievement of the enviable status and recognition as a most secure state in the country by many organisations, including the recent Award by Business Day Newspaper, among others.”
“Upon assuming office, this administration restructured the Ogun State Security Trust Fund and put the critical stakeholders (private sector) at the driving seat; strengthened the engagement with security agencies in the State and provided them with 100 Hilux patrol vehicles, 200 motorcycles, and equipment to make them more effective and efficient; partnered with the other South-West States to set up the Amotekun Security Network; appointed two Special Assistants ( on ethnic relations) to ensure smooth interface with non-indigenes on a wide variety of issues, including security; among other stakeholder-driven initiatives.”
“This constant stakeholders’ engagement approach runs through all the government activities and programmes. Therefore, Hon. Remmy Hazzan’s statement of working with stakeholders within and outside the state should be viewed within this context.”
“For the avoidance of doubt, Ogun State government will continue to deploy all constitutionally sanctioned means to fight crimes and criminals in the state, including working with institutions that the constitution and other statutes have saddled with the responsibility of protection of lives and properties.”
“At all times, the government will ensure that all security agencies and indeed all stakeholders operate within the ambit of the law and will neither welcome nor endorse any initiative that amounts to self-help or is outside the contemplation of the constitution, which is the grundnorm binding on all governments and persons in the country.”