Fuel, Naira Scarcity: Makinde Warn Residents Against Violence

Following the protests that rocked Oyo State over the twin-crisis of new naira notes and fuel scarcity, the state governor, Seyi Makinde, has warned residents that his administration will not condone violence protests.

The governor in a state-wide broadcast  aired on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS)  frowned at the resort to violence protests by some residents of Ibadan  on Friday, adding that while citizens were free to express their feelings peacefully, the government would not condone any resort to violence.

He added that the government had put all the security agencies operating in the state on high alert to avert any breakdown of law and order.

Makinde also announced the deployment of free Omituntun transport buses to ease the pains of the people of the state from the twin crisis of naira and fuel scarcity that have been the lot of Nigerians in recent weeks.

He urged the people to ensure they use their Permanent Voters Cards to usher in a responsible government in the forthcoming general election, adding that resort to violence breeds other problems.

According to him, the state government is ready to do whatever it could to alleviate the suffering of the masses.

He said the Omituntun Mass Transit Buses would be deployed to more routes within the state for free, in order to ameliorate the suffering of the people.

The governor also said that the state was also working with chairmen of local governments to provide immediate palliatives for the vulnerable people in order  to alleviate the hardships that the twin scarcity of naira and fuel have brought upon them.

He urged all law-abiding citizens and residents of the state to go about their lawful activities peacefully.

The governor 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.