.…..insist “we will no longer be passive and allow politicians to undermine our people.”
Young constituents in Ondo North senatorial district under the umbrella of Ondo North Youth Alliance, have protested what they described as alleged extortion by aides to the lawmaker representing the district, Senator Jide Ipinsagba.
The Youths under the auspices of the Ondo North Youth Alliance, the apex youth body organization in Ondo North alleged that a sum of N2,000 is being collected from Constituents before they could get access to the senator.
Ojo Bright Eniafe, President, Ondo North Youth Alliance stated this while addressing Newsmen in Akure the ondo state capital.
He said, “It is with utmost pain that we wish to inform the entire public that youths of the senatorial district pay a sum of #2,000 each to have access to the Senator at his residence in Manuex Palace Akure.
“For the avoidance of doubt, these actions have been reported multiple times to the senator without any noticeable change.
“The action is highly deplorable and regrettable. We want accessibility to our senator without having to pay.”
He also expressed deep concern on various issues as it impacts the people of Ondo North.
Eniafe said “As the umbrella body for all youth organizations in Ondo North, we have watched with dismay the breach of security in Owo Local Government.
“We appreciate the Ondo State government swift intervention to arrest the situation. The role of our traditional leaders especially the intervention of the Olowo Of Owo kingdom.
“We are more so grateful to the Federal Representatives for standing firm with our people at the trying time.
“We are grateful to the youth loving MHR representing Akoko North East/West; Hon. Ife Ehindero for his show of solidarity.
“On the Insecurity in Ondo North and the Neglect by our Senator
“We are alarmed by the rising insecurity caused by cultists in Ondo North, particularly in Owo LGA.
“The senator’s silence on this issue is deafening, and shows his lack of concern and care about the welfare and safety of his constituents.
“As youths, we are tired of living in fear and uncertainty. We demand that Senator Ipinsagba show a modicum of responsibility to the wishes and aspirations of our senatorial district by playing a pivotal role and collaboration with institutions to ensure his constituents are safe.
“A little show of concern can be the deal breaker. We are poised to ensure that our communities, LGA and the entire senatorial district is safe and secure.
“We commend the governor of Ondo State for his efforts in putting the round peg into round holes and driving economic transformation, infrastructural development and inclusivity.
“Mr. governor’s appointing youths to key positions and maintaining an open-door policy is laudable. This is a shining example of what we expect from our leaders – inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. We urge the governor to continue on this path and to consider doing more for the youths. We believe this will be a lasting legacy.
“We are proud of the One Youth One Skill initiative of the State Government, The approval of the Formulation of Ondo State Youth Policy, multiple youths engagement, especially the Ondo State Youth retreat.
“We are using this opportunity to appeal to the Governor to see a need to appoint youth for youths. Appointing a youth as Commissioner for Youths, will impact the youths positively.
“We appeal Mr. Governor looks for someone with an effective track record of excellence and performance within his team.”
“We, therefore, demand that Senator Ipinsagba takes immediate action to address the following:
“Insecurity: We demand that all elected representatives takes concrete steps to address the rising insecurity in Ondo North, particularly in Owo LGA. We also demand that all elected representatives from Ondo North, from the Local Council, to assembly members, to the members of the House of Representatives, the Deputy Governor and the Hon. Minister of interior.
“Youth Inclusiveness: We demand that all elected representatives from the senatorial district includes youths in their administration and involve us in the decision-making process.
“Accountability: We demand that all elected representatives be more accountable and transparent in his administration.
“As youths, we will no longer be passive and allow politicians to undermine our people. We will continue to speak out and demand better representation and governance.
“We urge all youths in Ondo North to join us in this struggle for a better future. Every generation out of its relative obscurity has a mission either to fulfill it or betray it,” the youths said.
