A youth group, Ondo Youth and Masses Conscience, has berated plans by some youths to stage a protest against the state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The group, in a statement signed by its State Coordinator, Adetunji Benjamin, decried the plot, which “involves the mobilisation of youth, primarily from Ilaje in Ilaje local government area, who are expected to present a distorted account of Mr. Governor’s health status”.
Benjamin noted that the planned protest, which is meant to portray Akeredolu in a bad light is being sponsored to present falsehood about the health status of the governor.
Full text of the statement is reproduced below:
PRESS STATEMENT
Planned “Jara e gba” Protest and Press Conference: A Misguided Endeavour
We have been made aware of an ill-conceived and sinister plan orchestrated by associates of Ondo State’s Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. They intend to stage a press conference and protest tomorrow, 24th of October, 2023, concerning the health of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.
This plan involves the mobilisation of youth, primarily from Ilaje in Ilaje local government area, who are expected to present a distorted account of Mr. Governor’s health status. This plan, spearheaded by an individual named Biyi Poroye, the organisers aim to portray the Governor as incapacitated, hidden away from public view by his family and associates.
Even worse, they intend to employ the slogan “Jara e gba” to mislead the people of the state and garner support for actions that may incite discord against the Governor.
We strongly condemn these actions and call on the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to take notice of this treacherous endeavour, even after their previous interventions.
While we are well aware of the character of those involved, it is essential to put on notice that despite the reconciliation efforts by the national leadership of the APC, the Deputy Governor and his supporters seem unwilling to embrace peace in the state.
We are in possession of evidence of the planned press conference and protest, during which mocking statements were made about the people of Ondo State. This action undermines the efforts of the National Working Committee of the APC.
We wish to reassure the people of the state that Governor Akeredolu is actively engaged in the affairs of the state. Since his return from medical vacation, he has been dedicated to addressing the concerns of the people.
While we respect the right of any group or organisation to hold a press conference or protest, it is disheartening and hypocritical that such an event would be organised to present falsehood about the health status of a Governor who is committed to the state’s progress.
We call upon the security agencies to remain vigilant, and we urge the people of the state to dismiss the insincere concern of the Deputy Governor’s associates if they proceed with their planned press conference and protest.
Signed:
Adetunji Benjamin,
State Coordinator,
Ondo Youth and Masses Conscience.
October 23, 2023.
