The Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Ondo State chapter, Comrade Ademola Odudu, has applauded the people of the State, especially the drivers’ union members, youths and market women for listening to the appeal of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa and embraced peace in Ondo State.
The Chairman specifically hailed Ondo State people for acknowledging the essence and havoc of protest which may lead to destruction of property, looting, and killing of innocent Nigerians that could not be justified in the name of a protest.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Akure, Comrade Odudu acknowledged that there is hunger in the country, said going violent against the government and the people is not the best approach to address the situation, expressed optimism that government is working round the clock to provide lasting solutions and mitigate the concerns and worries of the people of Ondo State.
Odudu also noted that any attempt by the citizenry to shoot a fragile economy like Nigeria with protest will lead to counter-productive, demoralise the economy and cause more sufferings in the country.
Comrade Odudu said that the destruction of government’s multi-million naira digital innovation park in Kano, looting and killing of innocent Nigerians in other states, was disheartening and unfortunate.
The Ondo NURTW Chairman said there is no doubt that it is a constitutional right to protest within the ambits of fundamental human rights, but the protest should be properly managed not to snowball into riots.
Comrade Odudu said while the organisers of the protest may have a genuine reasons to hold a peaceful protest, they are some individuals, who can be described as enemies of the nation, who might want to use the protest to destabilise the government.
He appealed to the drivers’ union, youths, market women and organisers of the protest to embrace peace, adding that Governor Aiyedatiwa meant well for Ondo State and that they should be patient with him while executing his good plans for the state.
The Chairman equally commended the security agencies for their unrelenting efforts in safeguarding life and property of the citizenry during the protest, urged them to more proactive in discharging their duties.
