Governor Oyebanji Appeals for Calm in Statewide Broadcast, Warn State Government Won’t Tolerate Breaks Down of law and Order

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has issued a stern warning against any potential breakdown of law and order amidst planned nationwide protests over the current economic situation in Nigeria. In a statewide broadcast delivered on Wednesday morning, Governor Oyebanji emphasized his commitment to protecting the lives and properties of Ekiti State citizens, highlighting the devastating impact witnessed during the #EndSARS protests. He expressed concern that similar protests could lead to widespread destruction, jeopardizing the state’s economic stability and reversing the progress made under his administration towards shared prosperity.

Governor Oyebanji acknowledged the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression but stressed the need for protests to be conducted peacefully without infringing on the rights of others. He asserted his role as the Chief Security Officer of the state, underscoring that security agencies are on high alert to prevent any form of violence or disruption. The Governor urged residents not to be misled by individuals who might exploit the protests for personal gain under the guise of advocating for societal change.

Security Measures and Precautions

Ensuring the safety and well-being of Ekiti residents remains paramount, Governor Oyebanji outlined stringent security measures to maintain peace during the protests. He assured the deployment of security agencies to strategic locations across the state to preempt any potential unrest. Citing the lingering effects of the #EndSARS protests, where public buildings and infrastructure were vandalized and left in disrepair for years, the Governor emphasized the costly consequences of violent demonstrations. He appealed to residents to uphold Ekiti State’s reputation as a peaceful and progressive region by refraining from actions that could lead to further destruction.

Governor Oyebanji called for dialogue and constructive engagement as preferable avenues for addressing grievances, urging protesters to seek peaceful means of expression that uphold the sanctity of life and property. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering an environment where citizens can voice their concerns without resorting to violence, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding the state’s peace and development.

Governor Oyebanji Warns Against Disruptive Protests, Economic Consequences of Blockades and Protests

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has voiced strong concerns over the potential repercussions of disruptive protests. Addressing the public, he emphasized that blocking roads and preventing the distribution of goods and services will not yield positive outcomes. “Nothing much will change by blocking roads and preventing distribution of goods and services,” Oyebanji stated. He highlighted that such actions would only aggravate poverty and sorrow, worsening the situation much like it did in 2020. During that period, the combined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the destructive #EndSARS protests plunged Nigeria into a deeper economic recession.

Oyebanji pointed out the devastating impact of past protests, where multimillion-naira businesses were completely ruined, and owners saw their livelihoods destroyed forever. He noted that even today, the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency’s storeroom and other government institutions remain in ruins due to the arson and looting perpetrated by those he described as “retrogressive elements masquerading as protesters.” The destruction extended to vital silos serving as national strategic reservoirs for food and seedlings, which were burnt, looted, and vandalized. The government continues to struggle with replacing or repairing these infrastructures amidst scarce resources.

Appeal for Community Intervention

Governor Oyebanji has made a heartfelt appeal to parents, guardians, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to intervene and dissuade the youth from participating in violent protests. He warned that such protests could easily be hijacked by hoodlums, causing further chaos and destruction. Oyebanji referred to those inciting violence as “evil merchants” who aim to use the youth to foment trouble within the state.

The governor’s plea underscores the critical role of community leaders in maintaining peace and stability. He urged these influential figures to counsel the youth against submitting to those who seek to exploit them for malicious purposes. Oyebanji’s call to action is a bid to prevent a repeat of the 2020 scenario, where protests led to widespread damage and long-term economic setbacks. By fostering dialogue and understanding, he hopes to avert further disruptions and promote a more constructive approach to addressing grievances.