LAGOS ASSEMBLY PASSES AMOTEKUN BILL INTO LAW, BOOSTING REGIONAL SECURITY

By Morris Nor// The Lagos State Assembly has passed the Amotekun Corps bill into law by amending the existing Neighbourhood Safety Corps Law to accommodate the regional security initiative. The bill, which scaled its third reading on March 3, aims to unify the legal framework guiding the security outfit jointly established by Southwest governors.

-Amendment to Existing Law: The Neighbourhood Safety Corps Law is being amended to incorporate Amotekun, making it a specialized unit with licensed arms.

-Purpose: Amotekun will assist in maintaining law and order in Lagos, working with other security agencies.

-Structure: A governing board with a chairman appointed by the Governor will oversee operations.

-Operations: Members will apprehend criminals and hand them over to police for prosecution.

-Regional Context: Similar bills have been passed in other Southwest states (Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti), creating a unified regional security framework.

Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and lawmakers reviewed the bill before passage. The Majority Leader, Sanai Agunbiade, announced it at plenary. A public hearing was held earlier, considering arguments on operatives carrying licensed arms.

Significance:

– Boosts security collaboration in Southwest Nigeria.

– Expected to enhance law enforcement and address common crimes like robbery, kidnapping.

– Part of broader efforts to strengthen regional security architecture.

The bill awaits Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s signature to become law. This move positions Amotekun as a key player in Lagos’ security, complementing existing forces.