As part of its mandate to manage crisis, the State Commandant of NSCDC Ondo State Command, Commandant Oluyemi Ibiloye today, Friday 26 July, 2024 met the leadership of National Union of Road Transport Workers, Representatives of Civil Societies and the members of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on the planned nationwide protest.

The interface was part of the strategic move to negotiate and find a level of compromise with stakeholders in the state to ensure that the planned protest, if held, is not hijacked by unscrupulous elements in the state.

While speaking with the different bodies, Commandant Ibiloye acknowledged the fact that protest is the right of the citizens in making their grievances known, but a protest that is hijacked by hoodlums and enemies of the state might lead to loss of lives and properties and security agencies will not allow such anarchy in Ondo State.

‘Some people in a bid to burn down the state will hijack this protest. These elements attend churches and mosques and belong to various groups. When shops, business places, and innocent Nigerians are looted, we end up creating more problems.

I want to implore religious leaders to help us use their pulpits to appeal to the people to be law-abiding. We can not afford to go the way of the last Endsars or the Kenya Riot. We already have enough security challenges as it were.’

The NURTW State Chairman, Comrade Ademola Ododo at the meeting assured the Commandant that members of the union in the State will not be protesting as they are mindful of enemies of the State who might want to use the period to forment trouble and make the State ungovernable.

Mr. Jonathan Obalola, a youth leader and peace advocate, called for dialogue between the state government and the representatives of the youth groups in the state and also cautioned on forcefully shutting down the protest by the government.

While speaking for the Civil Society, Mr. Alo Martins appreciated the NSCDC for the proactive meeting. He also advised that the path of dialogue with the people should be toed by the government.

‘The people are hungry and angry. They are disconnected from the government, and the only way to show their grievances is by protest. The government must listen to the people and do the needful.’ He said

The CAN State Chairman, Rev. Fr. Ologunwa, who spoke for the religious leaders, said, ‘We appreciate your concern. We have been discussing this issue. The CAN president has addressed us on the right of the people to protest, but the protest must be peaceful.

We will collaborate with you to ensure that peace is entrenched in the state. The government should be sincere with the people, cut down their expensive lifestyles, and invest more in productive ventures.’ The Clergyman submitted.

Commandant Ibiloye assured the various leaders of escalating their concern to the State government and reaffirmed commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to maintain peace and order, imploring all necessary and legitimate measures to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order, and to guarantee a safe and secure atmosphere for all lawful citizens of Ondo State.