In a special state broadcast on Wednesday, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji called on Nigerians, particularly Ekiti residents, to resist manipulation by individuals aiming to incite chaos under the guise of advocating for public welfare.
This appeal comes ahead of a planned nationwide protest on August 1. Governor Oyebanji emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order, reminding residents that Ekiti is still recovering from the devastating impact of the 2020 EndSARS protests.
Despite the upcoming protest, the governor reassured residents to continue their daily activities without fear, urging them to maintain peace. He stated that the state would not tolerate any form of obstruction, intimidation, or harassment under the guise of protests.
“On our part, we want to assure our citizens that we are more than resolved to protect our state and to ensure no breakdown of laws and orders. The security agencies will be on high alert and will not allow anybody to bloodstain our immaculate name as a peaceful and progressive state,” Oyebanji said.
The governor urged parents, guardians, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to appeal to the youths not to be swayed by those who wish to use them to cause violence, as protests can easily be hijacked by hoodlums. He highlighted that the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to freedom of expression, which includes peaceful protests without violent disturbances.
Oyebanji stressed that violence would be counterproductive, especially as the state works to reset the economy through various fiscal and monetary measures showing early signs of success. He warned against repeating the destruction experienced during the 2020 #EndSARS protest, which led to significant damage to private and government infrastructure.
“Till today, the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency’s store room and other government institutions remain in ruins because of the arson and looting that were visited on the State by retrogressive elements masquerading as protesters,” Oyebanji said. “Many of our silos which serve as national strategic reservoirs for food and seedlings were burnt, looted, and vandalised. Government is still struggling with replacing or repairing these infrastructures, even in the face of scarce resources.”
