in

Lagosian divided over Ambode’s plan to buy new helicopters

A couple of days back, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode made known his intention to procure 3 new helicopters with a view to combating crime and monitoring traffic in the state. This decision has since been generating mixed feelings within and outside the state.

Some Lagosians ENCOMIUM Weekly sought their opinions on this also spoke divergently on the issue.

 

‘IT’S A CASE OF MISPLACED PRIORITY’ – Ola Adenekan

My first reaction when I read it was, “So this is what we need in Lagos now”, I think it’s a case of misplaced priority. I can liken it to putting the cart before the horse. Why do I say so? Let me ask you some questions, have the police been able to conquer crime on land first? Or have they been trained to handle such equipment? Besides, we have more pressing issues in Lagos than buying something as expensive as an helicopter.

 

‘I THINK IT MAKES A LOT OF SENSE’ – Stanley Ochulor

I have been reading some reactions online and I’m baffled, I don’t understand the outrage at all. This is exactly what is obtainable in developed parts of the world, they fight crime by air. And considering the worsening state of traffic in Lagos, I think it makes a lot of sense. In the past five months, there have been a number of robbery cases, do people want that to continue? I think he’s right, the only problem is how much will it cost. That’s my only reservation!

 

‘THERE IS BOUND TO BE VARYING DEGREES OF CRIME’ – Bode Olaseni

I can’t blame Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for the purchase of another helicopter if that will be used according to the purpose for which it’s purchased. Lagos is a state where people from different cultural backgrounds live. There is bound to be varying degrees of crime.

So, buying a helicopter to monitor crimes shouldn’t be taken as an aberration. It happens in the developed countries as well. And I think we what need to argue about is whether it will be used appropriately.

 

‘THE STATE IS VERY VOLATILE’ – Isaac Adegbayi

I have lived all my life in Lagos. The state is very volatile. And if the government considers anything as a means of monitoring or fighting crime in the state, I don’t think it should be criticized. Although, there are lots of areas that need serious and urgent attention now, security can’t be joked with.

We must all be secured first from all these hoodlums. Lagos is a very difficult state to govern, no matter how skillful you are. So, I don’t see it as a misplaced priority or a means of embezzling funds if Ambode had procured another helicopter, so far the price wasn’t inflated.

 

 

‘I THINK THE HELICOPTERS ARE THE LEAST WE NEED IN NIGERIA RIGHT NOW’ – Lekan Aderibigbe

I think the helicopters are the least we need in Nigeria right now. Instead, let the policemen be well trained and be readily available when called upon. The helicopters are just a way of wasting more of Lagos state’s money, as helicopters require a lot of maintenance.

 

‘I DON’T LIKE THE IDEA’ – Gbenga Akintayo

I don’t like the idea of acquiring helicopters to combat crime, because what we need are well trained on ground law enforcement agents, who are willing to put the masses first at all times.

 

‘I HOPE SECURITY AGENCY WILL NOT ABUSE IT’ – Funke Adebisi

It is a good idea. Once it is properly utilized, I am in support. I hope security agency will not abuse it. Though, I don’t know how it will help reduce hold up. I am sure it can be used for security purpose.

I think the governor has a good intention. We should all give him our support.

 

‘I THINK IT IS A WASTE OF MONEY I’ – Adenike Ojo

I think it is a waste of money. With the population of Lagos state, I don’t know how two helicopters will be able to monitor the whole state effectively. The governor has a good intention but two helicopters will not be sufficient.

Encomium

Written by Encomium

A media, tech and events company.

What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Avatar

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

MTN scoops exclusive Caller Tune rights of Adele’s upcoming single

Free shopping voucher for guests at AFRIMA 2015