The statement by the Presidency followed claims by Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, about Katsina getting permission to arm its newly created security outfit.
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Presidency has debunked claims that it granted approval to Katsina State Government for the procurement of automatic weapons for its security outfit.
Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, in a statement on Tuesday, said no state was granted such approval.
The statement followed claims made by Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, about Katsina getting permission to arm its newly created security outfit.
The statement said, “Under this administration, the President has repeatedly made it clear that nobody is allowed to illegally carry AK-47 or any other automatic weapons and that they must surrender them.
“Where they fail to do so, the law enforcement agencies have been given clear directives to deal with any such outlaws.
“Under the existing regulations, only the Office of the National Security Adviser can issue such authorization, upon proper clearance by the President and Commander-in-Chief and as it is at this moment, no such approvals have been issued to any state government.”
READ ALSO:
No going back on plan to arm Amotekun corps, Akeredolu vows
Explaining the Katsina incident, the Presidency said, “In the specific Katsina State often cited, the Governor, Aminu Bello Masari wrote to explain that the administration invited the Provost of the Civil Defence Training College in Katsina to train their Vigilantes for a five-day period “in the handling and operations of Pump Action Rifles,” emphasising that “the Vigilantes were not trained to take over the responsibilities of the security agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria but to assist them.”
The Presidency noted that it appreciates the active involvement of states with security matters.
“As they continue to expand their capabilities as well as their active collaboration with law enforcement agencies of the federation, the joint efforts continue to yield good results, thwarting attempts of terrorists to wreak havoc and destruction on communities.
“The President in particular has expressed happiness that in the last couple of years, security outfits mandated by state governments have been associated with several important initiatives, and reports have reached him of acts of utmost bravery and professionalism.
“He thanks them for their alertness that is helping to defeat nefarious plots against targets at grassroots levels.
“He, however, cautions against the politicization of security.
“Government at the centre with a national mandate cannot afford to alienate Ondo State or any other state for that matter on the important issue of security and urges leaders at various levels to exercise restraint in their speech, even as we are in a political season,” the statement added.
