Abiodun keeps mum over continuation of ENDSARS protest , shuts schools

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Sodiq Ojuroungbe

Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun on Tuesday, kept mum over the fate of ENDSARS protest in the state as he
shuts all schools in the state from Wednesday till Monday next week .

The governor who suspended operation of Okada ,however refused to impose curfew on the people of the state following the spread of violence in many parts of the neighbouring states .

Contrary to the expectation of many people in the state following the imposition of curfew by Lagos ,Osun, Ekiti , Ondo and Edo states , the governor said he had to change his mind on whether to impose it or not .

Abiodun who addressed newsmen at his Oke-Mosan office on the violent protest held by some ENDSARS protesters in the state, also announced banning of operation of motorcycles in the state withing the period .

The governor who explained that he had held a meeting with the security chiefs on the state of things announced the disbandment of blockade of the roads in the state by protesters within the period .

The governor lamented the killing of Customs officer on Tuesday by ENDSARS protesters in Owode-Idi-Iroko in Yewa-South Local Government Area of the state .

He also disclosed that one of the government officials was attacked by the protesters .

The governor said he changed his mind on whether to impose curfew or not in the state and decided to shut the schools and suspended operation of motorcycles .

He said the security meeting was held with security chiefs in the state following the violence that erupted in some parts of the state by the protesters .

He however threatened to come up with stringent measures if there is a further violation of law and order .

He also said the situation would be reviewed after a week and decide the next action .

The governor however extended an invitation to the youths in the state fir dialogue .

He enjoined the youths to present their leaders who will represent them at the dialogue table .
“The governor said, “All schools are closed till Monday, 26th October, 2020.

“Operation of commercial motorcycle, popularly called okada, is suspended across the state for tomorrow, Wednesday, 21st October, in the first instance.

“Increased security around the correctional centres and public buildings

“Blockade of highways and molestation of innocent citizens going about their lawful business by protesters will no longer be tolerated.

“Deployment of joint patrol teams of security agencies to ensure no threat to public security”.

He added “earlier today, I held a meeting with security chiefs in the state. After an assessment of the prevailing situation, particularly emerging threats to public safety and security, as a responsible Administration, we considered a number of options, including imposing a curfew on the state.

“I appeal to all parents, guardians, traditional and religious leaders and indeed all stakeholders to rein their children and wards to avoid any act that may breach public peace or bring them into confrontation with the law enforcement agencies.

“I urge all to take full advantage of the windows available to express grievances in peaceful manners, including the Ogun State Human Rights Complaints Report portal and allow time for full implementation of the various government initiatives in response to their demands.

“We must continue to be on eagle alert so that some unscrupulous element who do not have the love of this Nation at heart; who do not share the same development ideals; who may want to take advantage of this situation for their selfish motives, to hijack the process.

“I must emphasise that we cannot fold our arms and let the state descend into anarchy. No right is absolute. In exercising our rights, we must respect the rights of others. There cannot be a better tomorrow, if we destroy today and the foundation being laid for tomorrow.

“Let me warn that Ogun State will not be conducive to anyone who may want to test the resolve of government to provide security or those who may want to come from other states to foment trouble in our dear State.

“The security agencies have been directed to ensure full compliance with the measures announced to ensure security of lives and properties.”