Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, stated on Friday night that free “Omituntun” transport buses will be made available to the people of the state in order to lessen the impact of the nation’s fuel shortage and currency issues.
Makinde made this announcement during a statewide broadcast which was carried by the state-owned radio station, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State.
The governor expressed his displeasure with the violent protests that erupted in the state earlier on Friday. He declared that his administration was prepared to take any action which is required to ameliorate the suffering of the populace.
However, he urged the people of the state to air their frustrations in a peaceful manner, reiterating that his government would not tolerate a breakdown of law and order.
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.
In order to lessen the suffering of the populace, the governor claims that the Omituntun Mass Transit Buses will be put to use on more routes inside the state to transport residents for free.
The governor also stated that he was working with the state’s local government chairmen to provide immediate palliatives for the state’s most vulnerable citizens in order to lessen the hardships that the crisis had caused them.
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.”
