GROUP CHARGES DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF ONDO, AIYEDATIWA, WITH SPONSORING PROTEST AGAINST AKEREDOLU

The on-the-run state deputy governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is allegedly responsible for the failed demonstration that took place in the state on Monday, according to the Ondo Mass Solidarity Movement (MSM).

Ondo State’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) protested the closing of its secretariat on Monday.

Following a planned demonstration against the governor’s ongoing absence from the state after his return from a medical vacation abroad, the secretariat was shut down.

Around 6.30 in the morning, security personnel, including members of the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Security, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, lay siege to the PDP secretariat.

Speaking about the protest, MSM Coordinator Ogunyemi Jeremiah claimed it was intended to “incite crisis in the state and derail the impeachment process of the deputy governor.”

According to Jeremiah, Aiyedatiwa had been encouraging young people and opposition groups to block off Akure’s main thoroughfare and demonstrate against the governor.

“We have reliable information that the deputy governor started the protest and had already funded a few young people to participate in it. The teenagers gathered last night for a conference at a hotel in Alagabaka, Akure, where money was distributed.

“As citizens of this state and the voice of the people, we strongly condemn the actions of the troubled deputy governor. We are shocked by the deputy governor’s behavior and his determination to set the state on fire.

“We are grateful to the security agencies for stepping up. We are aware that the demonstration would have resulted in willful destruction of both property and human life.

“The mass public’s interest was never served by the organized protest. Due to the state’s regular payment of salaries and leave incentives, the general public is receiving their palliative care and benefiting from brisk sales.

“We are requesting that well-meaning citizens of Nigeria and the state advise the deputy governor to stop attempting to set our beloved state on fire. History should serve as our teacher, warning us not to do something that could endanger our state.

“We are certain that the interests of the general public are not served by this forced protest. We won’t let some individuals disrupt the state’s largely peaceful atmosphere because they were driven by financial gain.