 in Oyo State, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao, has criticised the plan by Makinde.){kind=link}
A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao, has criticised the plan by Governor Seyi Makinde to purchase an aircraft for security surveillance and tourism in the State.
Also noted that such plan is a “misplaced priority” amidst the state’s growing debt burden.
The APC in a statement on Sunday by his media office, said the proposed aircraft purchase, alongside establishing airstrips in Igbeti and Otu, are both extravagant and unnecessary at this particular time.
Alao in the statement made available to Afripost on Sunday, questioned the rationale behind such a significant expenditure on an aircraft while critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure remain underfunded.
The APC chieftain criticised the government’s involvement in the renovation of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, stating that the Federal Government had already allocated funds for its upgrade in the national budget.
He said, “It is true that Oyo State faces significant security challenges. However, purchasing a large aircraft is not the solution. The Governor could consider using drones for security surveillance instead. Drones are not only more cost-effective but also provide advanced surveillance capabilities without the high operational expenses associated with large aircraft, as proposed by the Governor.
“Oyo State’s debt profile has become a source of concern, with external debt service costs reportedly increasing by 143.7% in the first half of 2024. The costs rose from ₦2.61 billion in 2023 to ₦6.36 billion in 2024, marking an increase of ₦3.75 billion. This duplication of efforts is wasteful and reflects poor resource management”.
Alao while speaking further, urged Makinde to prioritize addressing pressing issues affecting residents rather than embarking on projects that could further strain the state’s finances.
He emphasized that responsible governance requires prudent allocation of resources to areas that directly impact citizens’ welfare.