By Adebayo Abdulrahman - January 20, 2021

Amid rising cases of insecurity in Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde says some journalists have allowed themselves to be used as tools to stoke ethnic tensions in the state.

The governor, who said this while making a statewide Broadcast on Wednesday, alleged that some stories in the media are targetted at exaggerating the security situation in the state.

Whil noting that he will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any individuals who try to disrupt the peace of the state, he assured that his administration will continue to take all necessary steps to protect residents from harassment, thuggery and banditry.

While acknowledging the efforts of some officers of the Nigeria Police Force, who have resumed their constitutional duties of maintaining law and order in our state, he encouraged the leadership to continue to collaborate with his administration to secure Oyo State.

According to him: “The past few weeks’ events have made it imperative that I address issues that have to do with the internal security of our dear state. Barely a week ago, I had cause to call out members of the press who were allowing themselves to be used to stoke ethnic tensions among the good people of Oyo State. There have been stories in the press targeted at exaggerating the security situation in the state.

“However, we cannot overlook the fact that there have indeed been instances that cause concern. The fragile peace between the herdsmen and farmers in Oke Ogun is being threatened. Individuals who are not authorised are going around chasing people from their homes and causing mayhem. This assault on residents of Oyo State is not the way to further the Yoruba cause.

“Let me state that we shall not sit back and watch anyone make any law-abiding resident of Oyo State feel unsafe in their homes, farms, or business places. We are aware of some people circulating flyers and giving people ultimatums to leave their land. This is totally unacceptable and will not be condoned.

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which I swore to defend and protect, guarantees freedom of movement in Section 41(1), such that citizens are free to reside in any part of the country without fear. We are determined to preserve that right in Oyo State.

“Therefore, I am calling on any individuals or groups planning to take any actions that would lead to the forcible removal of anyone from Oyo State to desist from taking such actions. Any persons who fail to abide by this directive will face the full wrath of the law.

“All Local Government and Local Council Development Area Chairpersons are directed to work with the traditional rulers and the officers of the security agencies to ensure that peace is maintained in all parts of the state. Let me also use this medium to speak to our traditional rulers. They must not be part of any plans to disrupt the peaceful coexistence of residents of Oyo State.

“I must reiterate that we will not hesitate to take appropriate action against any individuals who try to disrupt the peace in Oyo State. Our administration is taking all necessary steps to protect the good people of Oyo State from harassment, thuggery and banditry. We believe we have the situation under control.

“It is time for us to come together and put the interests of our state first. We have a common enemy. That enemy is not the Hausa Fulani who is looking for pasture for his flock. It is not the farmer who just wants to grow food to sell in the market or to feed his family. Our enemies are the hoodlums, cultists, armed robbers, kidnappers and bandits.

“We have constitutionally empowered people who will arrest and prosecute these criminals. Our job, as active citizens, is to help them where we can to identify these enemies. Report any criminals and criminal activities you are privy to and let the authorities take action. If you see something, say something.

“With our collective efforts, we can continue to keep the peace in Oyo State. Together, we can preserve the secure environment that has contributed to the growth of our economy.”

Jobabori:
The governor is been frightened by the boldness of Sunday Igboho and the popularity he is driven from it. Igboho may be using wrong approach to address a noble course. If the government refuses to identify with Oke Ogun people in this period of incessant attacks by marauders, the emergency of a saviour like Igboho is a succour to them. Government should stand up to his constitutional responsibility so that unconventional and unconstitutional approach will not be used to salvage the situation.

favour32:
Fear fear governor!

seunlayi:

He is right on this

adigun86:
I love the approach the governor took rather than the way Ondo state was ragging war. I plead with those that love the south west and our elders to talk to this war ragging youth they are using as NGO. The most of the NGO are the ones fronting the war couple with their associates in the media. We have caught all of you and as the governor said any one caught will be prosecuted.

Jobabori:
The governor is been frightened by the boldness of Sunday Igboho and the popularity he is driven from it. Igboho may be using wrong approach to address a noble course. If the government refuses to identify with Oke Ogun people in this period of incessant attacks by marauders, the emergency of a saviour like Igboho is a succour to them. Government should stand up to his constitutional responsibility so that unconventional and unconstitutional approach will not be used to salvage the situation.

bigfish3k:
Makinde is talking like one of those seeking presidential election in 2023.

They cover up so many evil against their people so as to look good before the fulani.

Tueh. I spit on southern leaders sacrificing their people to be killed by the herdsmen because of selfish political ambitions.

favour32:
Fear fear governor!

duro4chang:
This mam is not serious at all. He wants to please his fulani friend so that he will be made the PDP vice president in 2023. He has failed .

favor914:
Some people don’t just have common sense, just imagine the rubbish scribbled?, I know everyone has an opinion but damn Negro? Is it possible that a Yoruba man can be made Vice President in 2023 back to back?