A few days ago, the Oyo state government approved the immediate purchase of two DA 42 MNG model surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft built with advanced technology at the rate of ₦7,763,360,000. According to Governor Seyi Makinde, the two combat aircraft are to be used to combat the menace of kidnapping and banditry across the state, particularly in the hinterlands.
Undoubtedly, one of the primary responsibilities of any government is to provide security for the lives and properties of its citizens. This should be a matter of priority with a sense of urgency. But when the government delays in taking concrete steps that could have proffered a timely solution, the people see such a government as weak and irresponsible to its primary functions.
Why is the aircraft coming at the tail end of Makinde’s administration?
Since the announcement to purchase the combat aircraft in Oyo State, a lot of concerned Oyo State citizens have bemoaned the decision by the government to purchase the combat aircraft now that Governor Seyi Makinde is preparing to leave the office. While the intention to purchase the combat aircraft may be right to bolster the security architecture already in place in the state, the timing of the purchase raises a lot of questions.
Firstly, why did it take the present administration in Oyo State this long to invest in the aerial surveillance? When the menace of kidnapping and attacks by suspected herders was at its peak, why did this administration not embark on this mission to purchase the combat aircraft to dislodge the merchants of death and destruction terrorising the people of Oyo State? This government has been in power for more than six years. Why are they waking up suddenly with the consciousness of getting a combat aircraft? In all fairness, the procurement of the aircraft is coming very late as a response to the challenges of insecurity in Oyo State.
Secondly, why is the state government purchasing two combat aircraft with that amount of money instead of using human resources and leveraging technological innovation, such as the use of attack drones and sophisticated warfare gadgets for the police and local vigilante groups?
The purchase of the combat aircraft looks to be disproportionate to what is really needed in the actual sense. If the government truly considers aerial surveillance important, they ought to have taken a proactive step long before now.
The government assertion that the combat aircraft will enhance surveillance and swift response to distress calls is an illusion. The Nigerian air force is saddled with such a responsibility, and that is why they’re in synergy with the military in their onslaught against armed bandits, terrorists, Fulani herdsmen, and other non-state actors across troubled states in Nigeria. The state governments across the country rely on police and other local security operatives, such as the Amotekun corps and the local vigilante groups, to combat criminality across their states.
The economic burden and the consequences of purchasing two combat aircraft
It’s worth noting that the nation is grappling with economic challenges, and by extension, it is affecting the states too, even though there has been an increase in state allocation.
The Oyo State Executive Council, a few weeks ago, approved the sum of N63,479,858,000 for the overhauling of the Government House structures. With this amount alone, the financial burden on the state is overwhelming let alone adding the funds for the purchase of two combat aircraft to the money. Not forgetting the fact that there are other capital projects still ongoing in Oyo State. Looking at all these, the government of Seyi Makinde will be placing a heavy financial burden on the state with many of these unnecessary expenses that may end up as white elephant projects.
Investing in human intelligence and community policing instead of combat aircraft
Rather than purchasing the two aircraft, the government should focus on human intelligence. The power of human intelligence cannot be underestimated in winning the war on terrorism. When investments are done to empower the police and other local security operatives, it will be very easy to gather intelligence.
The investment should be in the form of training and remuneration. Also, the government should invest in equipment, mainly UAVs. These UAVs come in different sizes and are cheaper, easy to maintain, and ultimately unmanned. These are some of the decisions that the Oyo state government should make instead of investing in surveillance aircraft that may never soar.
Written By Comrade Femi Awogboro A Youth leader and Advocate of Good Governance.