Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, has assured the populace that his administration will not tolerate violent protests after unrest broke out there due to a shortage of fresh naira notes and petrol.
In a statewide broadcast on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Governor Makinde of Oyo State expressed his disapproval of some Ibadan residents who used violence during Friday's protests. He stated that while people have the right to express their opinions freely, the government will not tolerate the use of violence.
He added that in order to prevent a breakdown in law and order, the state's security agencies had all been placed on high alert by the administration.
In addition, Makinde announced that free Omituntun buses would be distributed to the state's residents to assist them in coping with the recent currency and gasoline shortages that Nigerians have been experiencing.
In order to elect a responsible government, he urged the populace to use their Permanent Voters Cards in the approaching general election. He added that using violence simply makes matters worse.
He declared that the state's administration was prepared to assist the populace in any way possible.
In order to relieve the indigent, he declared that more state routes would be served by the free Omituntun Mass Transit Buses.
The governor added that the state was collaborating with local government leaders to assist those in need who were struggling due to a shortage of both naira and fuel.
He commanded all law-abiding citizens in the state to carry out their legal obligations without resorting to violence.
“Dear Good People of Oyo State,” the governor said; I’m talking to you today about the situation in our state and country, which has 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, they can take only so much.
“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.”