The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has issued a caution to residents of the state ahead of the August 1, planned nationwide protest.
Makinde, who acknowledged that the citizens have the right to protest, cautioned them not to destroy government facilities, reminding them that the properties were built with public funds.
Governor Makinde announced that the prevailing discontent and food scarcity throughout the nation are the primary catalysts for the forthcoming demonstration.
In a statement made during the conclusion ceremony of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Week, an event hosted by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Makinde warned the citizens against the destruction of any government structure in the process of their protest, stressing that money supposed for meaningful projects would be used in fixing the damaged properties.
Addressing the attendees at the ceremony held on Saturday at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, the capital of Ibadan State, Makinde affirmed the citizens’ right to engage in peaceful protests.
He cautioned that individuals intending to voice their grievances regarding the country’s challenges must conduct themselves nonviolently, refraining from acts of violence or damage to public infrastructure.
Furthermore, Makinde urged the demonstrators to avoid any form of destruction of public property.
The Oyo State Governor said: “Nigeria could be in this situation for now. We could be experiencing anger and hunger in the land, and that is why our people want to protest.
“Yes, protest is everybody’s right. But remember that we used your money to build all the structures and facilities we have put in place in this state, not mine.
“So, if you want to protest, it must be peaceful.
“If you begin your protest, don’t destroy government properties, otherwise, we will have to use the money we are supposed to spend on meaningful projects to replace facilities that may get destroyed.”
