The chairman of the All Progressive Congress in Osun state, Mr. Gboyega Famodun on Monday, June 22, 2015 said that governor Aregbesola will not sell the helicopter he purchased for surveillance.
He made the statement at a press conference held in Osogbo where he described those calling for the governor to sell the helicopter as “ignorant” .
Famodon called on President Buhari to consider a bailout for states stating that if the government could hand banks a N4 trillion bailout, it would be reasonable for the federal government to consider a bailout for states.
He added that the helicopter was bought along the other armoured carriers to assist security agents ion the state combat crime.
He said: “On the question of helicopter, the opposition recently gave an unsolicited advice to the state government, asking it to sell its surveillance helicopter. It was an uninformed call. You will all recall the spate of armed banditry in the state prior to our coming.
“The helicopter cost N500m and it was paid for in five instalments. With these measures in place, you now know the difference. However, the helicopter was practically disabled by the Federal Government itself.
“Before the surveillance machine was bought, the governor built a state-of-the-art Call Centre that was to operate with a special security code. The FG-controlled NCC refused till today to provide the special code for the helicopter to be linked with ground equipment for surveillance. Thus the surveillance helicopter was effectively disabled.
“The chopper was however put on lease and it is making money for the state and only recalled for use as the need arises. It is one of the sound financial decisions made by the government. We cannot but marvel at the ignorance and mischief of those calling for the sale of the helicopter and the quality of the thinking of those asking government to dispose of an instrument being used for the security of the citizens.”
