Aregbesola's Helicopter Will Not Be Sold

Mr. Gboyega Famodun, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that the helicopter purchased by the administration of Governer Rauf Aregbesola for security purpose will not be sold.

This was said during a press conference on Monday.

Famodun said the purpose of acquiring the helicopter was for surveillance so as to combat the security challenges that the state was facing.According to Punch, Famodun explained that the activities of criminals in the state had led to the closure of some businesses  which will invariably affect the economy of the state.

 

 

He disagreed with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on their advice that the helicopter be sold in order to solve the salary crises in the state calling it ignorant.

He called on the president to look into the unpaid salary issue and consider bailing out states just as the federal government had stepped in to help banks with N4tn when they were going through crises too.

The APC said that collaborative plans were going on between the state and Nigeria Air Force to build an airport in the state. This will also generate money for the state just as the helicopter was through its lease arrangement.

“The helicopter cost N500m and it was paid for in five installment. 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.”
Recently, Rauf Aregbesola, the governor of Osun state, promised to pay workers in the state their salaries before the end of the month.