THE governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, yesterday night, ordered the deployment of free “Omituntun” transit buses in an effort to lessen the impact of the nation’s fuel shortage and currency crisis on state residents.
This was revealed to the entire state through a state owned radio station, the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State.
The governor expressed disapproval of the violent protests that broke out in the state earlier yesterday and emphasized that his administration was prepared to take any necessary action to ease the suffering of the people.
Though he said that his government will not support the collapse of law and order, he urged state citizens to air their frustrations in a peaceful manner.
According to a statement made by Taiwo Adisa, the governor’s chief press secretary, Makinde also placed the state’s security services on high alert to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The governor stated that in order to lessen the suffering of the populace, additional routes throughout the state would have Omituntun Mass Transit Buses deployed to transport residents at no cost.
The governor added that he was collaborating with the state’s local government chairmen to offer urgent palliatives to the most vulnerable citizens in order to lessen the suffering that the crises had caused.
In the broadcast, Makinde said, “My Dear Good People of Oyo State.
“I am addressing you today because of the prevailing conditions in our state and country that have led to protests and riots, especially in Ibadan.
“First, let me say that I understand the need for these protests. When citizens get pushed to the wall, there is only so much that they can take.
“The continuous fuel scarcity and the scarcity of the naira have led to slow economic activities. I must repeat, I understand, and I feel your pain.
“I have always maintained that peaceful protests are fine. When things are not going how we want them to go, we have a right and even a responsibility to protest.
“Let me also state that while we are protesting, we must remember how easily a peaceful protest can turn violent and lead to the loss of lives and property. The violence that erupted in parts of Ibadan today (Friday) is condemnable and will not be tolerated.
“In response to this, I have suspended all campaign activities forthwith. I have also met with the heads of security agencies in Oyo State to restore calm and maintain the peace in our dear state.
“Violence cannot and will not solve our problems, it only creates new ones. We have another opportunity in a few weeks to move this country in a new direction. Use your PVC, not violence.
“We must not allow elements within us who have other motives to take advantage of peaceful protests to perpetrate evil or push their agendas.
“I urge all law-abiding citizens and residents of the state to go about their lawful activities. All our security agencies are on high alert and so, peaceful residents of the state have no cause to fear.
“As a palliative measure, I have directed that the Omituntun Mass Transit Buses should be deployed to more routes within the state for free.
“We are also working with Local Government Chairmen to see what immediate palliatives we can make available to the most vulnerable amongst us to alleviate the hardships that the twin scarcity of fuel and the naira have brought upon our people.
“Once again, we have another opportunity to put an end to oppressive systems and that is through the ballot. For now, I urge everyone to remain calm as we are doing our best to mitigate the hardships.”
