In a development that has sparked serious debate across Ondo State and the wider Southwest, findings from the latest budget breakdown reveal that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has allocated zero capital expenditure funding to the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun.
The revelation has raised fresh concerns about the government’s commitment to strengthening regional security at a time when residents continue to demand more decisive action against insecurity.
What Zero Capital Expenditure Means for Amotekun
Capital expenditure funding is critical for security agencies. It covers long-term investments such as patrol vehicles, communication gadgets, surveillance equipment, weapons procurement, training facilities, and operational infrastructure.
With zero capital allocation, Amotekun in Ondo State may face:
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Lack of new patrol vehicles and motorcycles
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Inadequate modern security equipment
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Poor communication and intelligence tools
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Limited capacity expansion and training
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Over-reliance on outdated or donated resources
While recurrent expenditure (such as salaries and routine expenses) may still be funded, the absence of capital investment significantly weakens the agency’s ability to respond effectively to evolving security threats.
Amotekun’s Role in Ondo State Security
Amotekun was established by Southwest states to complement federal security agencies in tackling:
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Kidnapping
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Armed robbery
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Herdsmen-related conflicts
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Rural banditry
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Community-level intelligence gathering
In Ondo State, the outfit has been particularly relevant in forested areas and border communities where conventional security presence is often limited.
Public Reaction and Growing Concerns
The zero funding allocation has triggered reactions from civil society groups, security analysts, and residents. Many see the move as contradictory to repeated assurances by political leaders about prioritizing security.
Key concerns being raised include:
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How Amotekun can modernize operations without capital funding
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Whether the agency will remain operationally effective
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The message this sends to personnel risking their lives daily
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The broader implications for community safety
Some observers argue that security outfits cannot function optimally on goodwill and morale alone.
Budget Priorities Under Scrutiny
The development has once again placed the Ondo State budget under public scrutiny. Analysts are questioning how security ranks among the government’s priorities, especially given rising security challenges across the state.
For critics, the issue is not just about Amotekun, but about governance, accountability, and the alignment of budgetary promises with real-world security needs.
What Happens Next?
As pressure mounts, stakeholders are calling on the Ondo State Government to:
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Revisit the budget allocation
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Provide clear explanations for the zero capital expenditure
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Outline alternative funding or support plans for Amotekun
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Reassure citizens of its commitment to security
Whether the government will review the allocation or maintain its position remains to be seen.
Final Thoughts
The decision to allocate zero capital expenditure to Amotekun under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration is a significant policy signal with far-reaching implications. In a region where local security initiatives are increasingly vital, funding choices matter—not just on paper, but on the streets and in communities.
As Ondo residents continue to watch closely, one thing is clear: security funding will remain a defining issue in the state’s political and governance discourse.
