Engr. Seyi Makinde inherited a security structure that was good but not thorough
There were few cracks and defect in the security architecture of the state, some boys that had been arrested for crimes and remanded or even jailed were released into the society for electoral purposes.
The initially good security policies of the past administration was vehemently compromised during political campaigns and electioneering process and on many occasions, different kinds of violence, ritual killings (We didn’t hear the full story of the Soka dungeon till they left) and kidnapping were recorded in some very strategic parts of the state.
The bloody assassination of a state house of assembly member by assassins who have not been brought to book as at this day, the unending kidnappings of innocent citizens especially in Ibarapa axis, the incessant crises and violence in areas like Idi-Arere, Bon Photo, Isale Osi, the grouping, formation and enlargement of criminal gangs like 1 millions boys, Network Boys, Kuwait Boys and so many notorius groups that terrorised Ibadan since the regime of the past administration are clear signs that there is more to be done in the security arrangement of the state
The fight against insecurity began very well but in the actual sense, it seems there was no strong sustainable system. This is because security planning requires foresight, intensity, focus, strategy and tactic.
The past administration in collaboration with other security agencies in the state rebranded and remodeled security operations like Operation Burst which was a good idea only that until the coming of Governor Seyi Makinde, Operation Burst was not fully equipped with modern apparatus and facilities to make their work easy and effective.
Governor Seyi Makinde upon assumption of office showed that He came prepared, deliberate and ready to tackle the security challenges head on.
One of his first decisions was to proscribe the activities of the transport union whose actions were becoming notorious and inimical to the peace Seyi Makinde promised the residents and indigenes of Oyo State and till date, the status quo has remained.
Within Seyi Makinde’s first 100 days as the governor, he approved the purchase of 100 Kia Rio Auto Transmission Vehicle fitted with modern and sophisticated security gadgets for security operatives across the state (Including Operation Burst).
Governor Seyi Makinde also launched a toll free 24/7 emergency Security line (615).
Governor Seyi Makinde actually identified dark spots and major highways in Oyo State and made sure they are illuminated. The project is already at the second phase!
The security lights at this strategic and major areas has made the crime perpetration almost impossible in Oyo State
The sincere, critical and objective review of the security architecture of the last administration and improving on it is worthy of mention. The Oyo State Security Trust Fund is no longer a political machinery.
The good security ideas that were difficult to implement in the past administration for reasons best known to them has been implemented and are been implemented by the Seyi Makinde led administration.
The South Western Region recorded a lot of negative security issues towards the end of 2019 and Early 2020. The insecurity that has permeated some parts of the country was wiggling it tail at the south western region of Nigeria and Engr. Seyi Makinde hosted the Governors of Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti and Ondo States of Nigeria in a nationally publicised security summit in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital and aftermath of that event, the Western Nigeria Security Network code named Amotekun was birthed.
In his efforts to walk the talk and genuinely protect the people of Oyo State in rural areas, farms, inter state borders and access roads and the generality of the populace, Governor Seyi Makinde bought modern security pick up vehicles also fitted them with modern security gadgets.
Governor Seyi Makinde in unity of faith with the state house of assembly passed the Amotekun bill into Law and today, the terrorists on our territories are being terrified.
The track records and antecedents of the men Governor Seyi Makinde chose to lead the Amotekun cops has been described in many platforms as the best and the most strategic security strategy for the state in recent times
It’s not difficult to know a man that’s ready to work. Governor Seyi Makinde also brought in the former commissioner of Police in Lagos and Benue states, the man who is one of the most respected former commissioner of Police with a lot of continental and intercontinental credits as his Chief Security Adviser, ComPol Fatai Owoseni who has been doing fantastically well.
We have recorded a sharp and drastic decrease in crime rate in Oyo states because of the intelligent approach of Mr. Governor towards the security of the state and I know the security agencies are not relaxing neither is the Governing slowing down.
Consistent overpowering and defeat of established crime gangs in Oyo State is showing that the efforts of the Seyi Makinde led administration is yielding good results.
I should not end without saying the recent national security issue we have in the country as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown has been well handled by the Oyo state command of the Nigerian Police Force and other collaborating security agencies. We know that they will still do more in protecting Oyo citizens.
Engr. Seyi Makinde is not playing politics with the lives of any Oyo State Citizens.
The achievement of Mr. Governor in the last one year in the area of security is monumental and unprecedented and He deserves a huge pass mark in that sector.
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Micheal Ogunsina writes from Ibadan.