Tension in Ondo State as Amotekun Commandant Reveals Officers Are Contract Staff
By Erewunmi Peace
Fresh controversy has erupted within the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, following revelations that all serving officers in the outfit are engaged as contract staff rather than permanent employees of the state government.
Reports indicate that the commandant of the Ondo Amotekun Corps, while addressing internal staff matters, confirmed that operatives are serving under contractual arrangements, a situation that has stirred discontent and anxiety within the corps.
According to multiple media reports, several Amotekun officers have expressed frustration over lack of appointment letters, irregular payment of salaries, and absence of employment benefits, despite years of service since the corps was established in 2020.
Some operatives described the current working conditions as “casualisation of service”, alleging that the state government had failed to regularise their employment.
“We have been working for over four years without proper confirmation or appointment letters. Most of us are treated as ad-hoc staff even though we perform full security duties,” one officer reportedly told journalists. (guardian.ng)
The situation has reportedly led to protests and petitions to the Ondo State House of Assembly, with some officers calling for government intervention to prevent morale collapse within the security outfit.
Although media reports attribute the statement about contract employment to the Amotekun commandant, the Ondo State Government has not yet issued an official statement confirming or denying the claim. Efforts to reach state officials for clarification were unsuccessful as of press time.
Security analysts warn that if not promptly addressed, the dispute could affect the efficiency of the Amotekun Corps, which plays a vital role in tackling armed robbery, kidnapping, and other crimes across the South-West region.
The Amotekun Corps, launched in 2020 as part of the Western Nigeria Security Network, was designed to complement federal security agencies in protecting lives and property within the state.
