From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Commissioner for Works and Transport in Ekiti State, Chief Dele Okeya, has expressed dismay over the violence that characterised the ongoing nationwide protests in many parts of the country.
Okeya, who emphasised that the reports of violence, which resulted in the wanton destruction of public and private facilities and looting of valuables, were unacceptable and needless, said that the “action has undone years of progress in states where the dastardly acts were carried out.”
The community leader made the remarks during a media interaction with newsmen in Emure-Ekiti, his hometown, at the weekend, where he decried the killings of some of the protesters and the destruction of public facilities in Kano, Bauchi, Borno, Niger, and other states. He lamented that the Nigerian Communications Commission Digital Centre, a multi-billion naira facility designed to equip Kano youths with digital skills aimed at lifting many Nigerians out of poverty, was vandalised, while many law-abiding citizens also suffered losses as a result of the demonstrations.
Describing the development as unfortunate, Okeya said the damage done in those places has not in any way added value to society but rather caused a huge setback for the people of Kano, individuals, and other states that lost their facilities and resources to vandalism.
He urged Nigerians, especially the youths and organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protest, to discontinue the protests, embrace dialogue, and give the administration of President Bola Tinubu time to address some of their demands.
The party stalwart commiserated with the families and relations of those who lost their lives and also sympathised with those who lost their valuables and means of livelihood in the demonstrations. He called on citizens to cooperate with security agencies in their efforts to make Nigeria safe and always report anyone suspected of trying to cause mayhem in their areas.
“I acknowledge that it is the constitutional right of every Nigerian to protest. However, the protest organisers and the general public need to be patient and give the 14-month-old Tinubu administration more time to implement its economic policies and the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he promised will bring succour to the generality of the Nigerian people.”
The former commissioner, however, commended the good people of Ekiti State, especially the youths, for honouring Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s plea and shunning the ongoing protests.
Okeya urged them to continue to distance themselves from the demonstrations, pointing out that this has helped to sustain peace and stability, as residents went about their normal daily activities without molestation, chaos, loss of lives, and destruction of property.
According to him, “This action has further demonstrated the acceptability and the people’s confidence in the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji.”
He appealed to Ekiti people to continue to support the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration to achieve the rapid transformation of the state in all ramifications and sustainable economic development and prosperity.