Press Statement
Re-#EndSARS Protests, Curfew & Destruction of Party Secretariats
Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, it will be recalled, had directed a 24 hour curfew in order for the security agencies and other stakeholders to widen scope of engagements and consultations in respect of this National Concern.
However, Mr. Governor’s observation of the situation following the random tour of the State capital on Wednesday, especially as regards the level of compliance of the curfew directive, shows a clear defiance and if at all, a complete reverse in observation.
Notwithstanding the display of disobedience and in some cases, confrontation and belligerence on the part of hoodlums and political thugs under the guise of a legitimate protest, Governor Akeredolu’s belief in the efficacy of dialogue, caution and engagement is inexorably elastic.
Nonetheless, the pre-meditated attack on the State Secrerariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as the reprisal attack on the PDP office are unambiguous moves to precipitate crisis of unimaginable dimension in the State. This is most condemnable and unacceptable in many regards.
Mr. Governor wishes to state emphatically that the October 10 election has been won and lost. No one has an alternative to the outcome which must be accepted as God’s Act through the people who cast their votes.
As for Mr Governor, he is, and shall be governor of all and for the good of all, irrespective of party and clan affiliations.
Flowing from the above, Mr Governor calls on the Traditional Rulers in Akure Kingdom, especially the Deji-in-Council, to prevail on all political leaders across party divides to rein in their mercenaries who are either acting a script under the #EndSARS protests or might want to carry out reprisal attacks.
Mr Governor, while expressing confidence that this trying period in our national life shall fade off, emphasises the need for all to be cautious in our actions and inactions as long as this moment lasts.
Signed
Oluwasegun Smart Ajiboye
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
October 21, 2020.
