An Akure-based youth organisation has vowed to resist the breakdown of law and order in the state and therefore warned those who are hiding under the guise of #EndSARS protest to perpetrate crime to stop immediately.
Speaking on behalf of the youths, the President, Akure Youth Coalition, Adekambi Oluwatuyi lamented that “what began as a genuine expression of human right in form of protest is gradually nosediving into political imbroglio across Ondo State and Akure in particular.
“We the leadership of the Akure Youth Coalition condemn in its entirety, the destruction of lives and properties under any guise. The ugly political event of 1983 which claimed many lives and properties is still fresh in our memory. Consequently, we make bold to state the following:
“The genuine intentions of the peaceful protesters should be guided against being hijacked by hoodlums for their self-seeken political agenda.
“The peace that residents of Akure and environs are enjoying is an asset we so treasure. Any youth who avail himself to be used as an object of destruction to threaten this precious asset is an enemy of the City and will be treated as such going forward.
“The 1983 political carnage which claimed lives of many notable Akure indigenes was a major setback in our socio-political existence as a town. We strongly frown at anyone who is out to cause a repeat of such in our history.
“We have our brothers across political parties and we so much cherish the consanguinity bond that bonds us together as one.
“We urge all active players in the field of politics to reign in their supporters for the collective good of the state and Akure as the capital city.
“We wish to state unequivocally that the Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi and the Deji in Council had been at the forefront of ensuring peace within the Akure Kingdom. As youths, we abide by their noble decisions that are meant to restore normalcy and prevent further destruction of properties and lives.
“Notwithstanding, we urge all miscreants to stay clear of our state. We will not allow any hoodlum to take advantage of the situation under any guise. we warned them to stay away.
“However, we urge the federal and respective state governments to look into the genuineness of this protest. We urge the government to heed the clarion call of the youths.
“The time for restructuring is now. We demand good and responsive governance where the youths will have a say in the government. A Nigeria we will be proud of.
“With a sober heart, we sympathise with all our gallant colleagues who have lost their lives during this struggle, most especially, the brutal killings at the Lekki Tollgate. May the Lord grant them eternal rest. They remain the hero of this struggle.
Meanwhile, the state chairmen of the two major political parties, the APC, Ade Adetimehin and PDP, Hon Fatal Adams appealed to the youths to sheath their swords and allow the government to address their grievances.
“We have come together as leaders of political parties that the peace and progress of Ondo is our priority. We are against the destruction of properties, either private or government.
“Hoodlums that have hijacked the protest should be dealt with. We don’t want the repeat of 1983 episode in our state. The destruction of our heritage should stop forthwith. It is time to stop this destruction and allow peaceful coexistence across Ondo State.
The meeting was attended by top security personnel in the state and leaders of the two political parties.
