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.
OUR REACTION
I write to react to the “concerns” raised by a faceless group by the name Ondo Youth and masses conscience operating only on the Social media.
Pertinent questions to ask the group are: What’s their fear about addressing a press conference? Since when has it become an offence to to address a press conference? Should it not call for concerns to any thinking citizen of Ondo that the Governor hasn’t been sighted nor resumed at his Alagbaka office since over a month ago that he claimed to have resumed?
Much as we have our concerns for the whereabout of the Governor, our group which is an NGO and duly registered to carry out empowerment, peace and conflict resolutions, economic advancement and Sustainable Development, is coming out to launch the group and also seize the opportunity to address the press conference about our reservation about the state of affairs of our dear Country and Ondo State and not necessarily converging for any protest of any sort.
However, we are being compelled to believe that things are not really well with our dear state vis-a-vis the state of the health of Mr. Governor by the fear expressed by this faceless group. As stakeholders, we are duty band to speak as at when due over the interest that concern our members and people of Ondo State.
We hereby invite this faceless group to our press conference and I am sure they will be disappointed at our purpose of gathering rather than trying to intimidate and harass a positive minded group like ours by carrying out the assignment of their paymasters, cowards.
Governor Akeredolu has gotten outstanding legacies which must be protected and our group is committed to that.
We urge the people of Ondo State to discard any rumour about any protest. As the Press Conference is our right as guaranted under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Alabi Johnson
Spokesman, O.L.I
