A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has launched a subliminal attack at the Federal Government over its declaration of Southwest security outfit – Amotekun – as illegal.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami had said the security outfit is not backed by any known law in the land, as a result, it is illegal.

The Federal Government said the issue of defence and security fell under the exclusive list and not with the state.

“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,” Malami’s statement read.

The government’s position as announced by Malami has sparked criticisms among Nigerians.

Nobel laureate Prof Wole Soyinka, Olisa Agbakoba among other prominent Nigerians have condemned the government’s action.

In his reaction, Fani-Kayode via his Twitter handle said the people of Southwest have the right to defend themselves.

He tweeted:

“You killed Funke Olakunrin & thousands of others over the last 4 years. We refused to retaliate, we mourned our dead & shed our tears quietly & with dignity & we hid our pain.

“Now you tell us that we have no right to defend ourselves and that Amotekun must go. To hell with you!”

In another thread of tweets the former minister wrote:

“Not surprised that AG said Operation Amotekun is illegal.Anybody that believes that a Govt. whose primary interest is to protect the interest & further the fortunes of the Fulani &their herdsmen would want the sons of Oduduwa to defend themselves against mass murder is naive.

“Whether the FG likes it or not we shall defend ourselves against the barbarity of the Fulani herdsmen & any other terrorist org.. I urge the Governors of the SW to stand firm in their resolve to defend and protect our people. We can no longer allow our people to be butchered.

“AGF Abubakar Malami said that Amotekun is illegal. This is my question to Malami. ( 1 ) What makes Amotekun illegal & Hisbah legal? ( 2 ) what makes civilian JTF legal in north east? ( 3 ) what makes civilian JTF legal in Zamfara, Katsina & Kano? Enough of these foolishness.

“Hisbah Police in NW is ok. Civilian Joint Task Force in NW is ok. Civilian Joint Task Force in NE is ok. Meanwhile IPOB in SE are terrorists and Amotekun in SW is illegal! One day Nigerians will get tired of this bullshit, get sense & free themselves from this bondage.”

 

See Fani-Kayode’s tweet:

 

You killed Funke Olakunrin & thousands of others over the last 4 years. We refused to retaliate, we mourned our dead & shed our tears quietly & with dignity & we hid our pain.

Now you tell us that we have no right to defend ourselves and that Amotekun must go. To hell with you!

— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) January 16, 2020