OYO state is plunging off the precipice. The continuous surge in the number of reported cases of murder, Kidnappings, armed robbery in the last few months are becoming unbearably disturbing at worst and heart wrenchingly numbing at best.
More disturbingly worrisome is the Government’s near absence and negligence at this critical time to the citizens far cries, calling for renewed energy, courage, political artistry, and combative measures aim at stemming the ugly tides.
When Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde was sworn in on the 29th of May, 2019 as Oyo state Governor; he promised to effect a total change in governance. His triumphant entry into the Agodi house marked the end of Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s reign and the start of people’s prolonged desire for fresh air in the state politics and policy.
Indeed, the emergence of Governor Seyi Makinde, an underdog, caught the ruling All Progressives Congress off guard sending political shockwaves down their spines. But two years down the lane, the Governor it seems, has not only squandered the fortunes and goodwill handed over to him by the people, he has also seem to fumbled in handling existential threats such as insecurity.
Improving Security
In his 2218 words inaugural speech, Governor Seyi Makinde only promised to improve security once. “In that document” said the Governor of Road Map for Accelerated Development, 2019-2023 “we set forth our policies for tackling the infrastructure deficits, enabling an efficient health sector, IMPROVING SECURITY, youth empowerment, social inclusion and protection.
This obvious inattention to the security of the state was apparently clear as of the inauguration: the state was still peaceful and attractive to investments. Analysts argued that security under the last regime was in good shape and a proper maintenance would have aided the new Government in achieving her set objectives.
Partisan Politics Aside
“We will be a progressive administration” the Governor declared in his speech “building on the programmes of past administrations that were structured properly and have been beneficial to the masses”.
When the need arises, furthered the Governor, we will consult our predecessors and draw on their experiences. “We will put aside partisan Politics” the Governor concluded “for the good of our state”.
How far the Governor has gone in keeping this promise especially in area of security remain the subject of public debate. Perhaps, the death of Senator Abiola Ajimobi last year has made matters worse. This is because former Governors Rashidi Ladoja and Alao Akala history revealed are not well placed to offer workable and realistic advices on ways Insecurity can be tackled in the state even though they’ve all governed the state before.
For instance, Senator Ladoja contended with various power blocs while in office which eventually culminated in his illegal impeachment. His impeachment threw the state into pandemonium with uptick in Insecurity across the state. Otunba Akala government’s witnessed the beatification and elevation of thuggery and hooliganism to the apogee with notorious NURTW members having field days especially in the metropole of Ibadan. Abiola Ajimobi’s adventure into the state politics calmed the bloodthirsty nerves of criminals thereby making the state harbinger of peace and tranquility. Fortunately, Ajimobi’s tactics and techniques are before the public glare for the current Government to ‘steal’.
The Punch Punches
On the 25th of December 2020, Nigerian Most widely read Newspaper, The Punch, wrote a scathing editorial on the security challenges in the state. The piece with a punchy titled “Makinde, Insecurity is getting messier in Oyo state” chronicled the twists and turns of security since the dawn of Governor Seyi Makinde’s regime.
“Right through 2020”, the paper reported “the state has witnessed high-level insecurity. At the weekend, the vast chronicle of breaches swelled up again after a female quarry worker was abducted in the Moniya-Ojoo area of Ibadan, the state capital”. Damilola Agboola’s kidnapping, continued the paper comes a week after kidnappers seized two Indians in front of a pharmaceutical firm near the (old) tollgate on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. “Shortly before that incident”, the paper revealed “a Lebanese, Hassan Mill, was rescued from the clutches of abductors. Unfortunately, a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps officer lost his life in the operation, while a soldier sustained injuries”.
The paper therefore advised “the Governor to make decisions with the potential for revolutionary change in the state saying his boldness in the Amotekun initiative has inspired other governors and energised citizens in the South-West. “Makinde” the paper concluded “should seek legal advice from progressive lawyers on how to explore constitutional provisions further in securing the lives and property of his people”.
The beginning of the End
I asked a Police Inspector who want to remain anonymous what the way out is from this conundrum. His submissions were that the Governor should work hand in gloves with security operatives in the state with a view to cubbing the excesses of criminals while also sending them stern warnings, a major tactics deployed by Ajimobi during his regime. Or the Governor risk losing his vast eroding political capital instrumental to his political trajectory.
OYO101, Muftau Gbadegesin’s opinion on issues affecting Oyo State, is published on Saturdays. He can be reached via muftaugbadegesin@gmail.com and 09065176850.
