One needs no further confirmation that there is a gulf between the crisp, media projections and the messy realities of the current leadership in Oyo state. It elicits worries that the progress of this administration is unabatedly choked by a spate of security breaches in the hands of unrefined motor park louts who have been elevated to play violent supervisory roles at various functions.
Isn’t it paradoxical that a government that initiated the establishment of the first regional security outfit in the country – Western Nigeria Security Network – is the one allegedly conniving with known hatchetmen? Why would a government support Amotekun to uphold law in one breath and lend PMS the wings to tower above law in another breath? Isn’t this an inglorious act of double-dealing in its finest and unadulterated form by an entity under oath to protect the populace?
When the idea of a new board by the name of Park Management System as a replacement for the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) was being brooded, I never thought it was another cosmetic baptism only aimed at window dressing a coterie of questionable characters who have been handed a free pass to operate in manners that jolt human existence.
The former governor of Ekiti state, Ayo Fayose passed for a good judge of character when he described governor Makinde as a man who is only gentle in looks but deadly in deeds.
I’m inclined to believe that Makinde’s pledge to reengineer the state holds greater intent beyond implementation of infrastructural and welfare programs. Perhaps, his blueprint is etched on a slice of thuggery. Hence, the establishment of the PMS as a combative annex of the state executive council.
All fingers point to the direction of PMS members when there is a scratch on the state’s security architecture. They were allegedly involved in the attack that claimed the life of a budding businessman, Ramon Azeez at Iwo Road Shopping Complex a few months ago. In the aftermath of the incident, Makinde rushed to the media space, making a feigned boast that the Park Management System would be reviewed. While we await the tongue-in-cheek review, the PMS has not stopped soaring in the clouds of vandalism.
It was even reported that about ten members of the PMS were apprehended ahead of the southwest zonal congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with rifles and amulets. This was after they were sighted vowing to snuff out some party stalwarts who were believed to be at loggerheads with governor Seyi Makinde over leadership tussle in the party.
Also, they allegedly wriggled their way to Ekiti during the just concluded PDP primaries in the state where 98 thugs were nabbed and charged with four counts bordering on threatening violence and unlawful possession of firearms before an Ekiti State Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting at Ado Ekiti.
While it is morally disastrous that the park managers are led by a notorious ex-convict, it is equally shameful that they have become ruthless interlopers during elections, moving in wild strides with the purported aim of pouncing on anyone who does not pander to the whims of their principal.
However, there is no justification for keeping an army of thugs at the beck and call of the state government. It has become exigent for the governor to disband the activities of these organized practitioners of violence to save his administration the perennial need of embarking on excessive damage control and media whitewash whenever they stir up troubles.
I hope the park managers are not retained for forceful political mobilization as they continue to be a burden on the peaceful coexistence that holds the state without any sincere reprimand. 2023 might be a long journey fraught with uncertainties if more premium is placed on amassing political dominance than safety of lives and properties.
Dele Oluwanishola writes from Ibadan via deleoluwanishola@gmail.com
