Residents of Ondo State have been commended for keeping the peace, in the face of hunger protests declared by some persons across the country.
Giving the commendation in a statement in Akure over the weekend, the Chairman of Akure South Local Government, Dr. Gbenga Fasua, said he was impressed that the residents had been peaceful, as they mostly opted for constructive engagement with the government.
He noted that though the people’s decision to protest against economic hardship was valid, he was enthused that they realised that such a good intention could be hijacked by those having sinister motives of killing, looting, and destroying public utilities.
In the statement issued in Akure, Fasua wrote, “I understand your concerns and frustrations regarding the challenges we are facing in our economy and I particularly want to commend you all for shunning violence.
“It is evident that times are tough, and the desire to protest and bring attention to these issues is completely valid.
“However, I urge you to consider the consequences of resorting to protest as the only means of expressing our grievances, as history has shown us that peaceful protests can quickly turn into opportunities for those with malicious intent, to sow chaos and destruction in our communities.
“We cannot afford to let this happen again, especially considering the setbacks we experienced in the aftermath of the End SARS protests”
He thus implored residents of the state, especially those in Akure, the capital city, to channel their energy and passion into more constructive avenues by opting for dialogue and engagement with the government, “as a means to address our concerns”.
“There are always better ways to effect change than through violence and destruction,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the council boss had earlier hosted an influential stakeholders’ meeting with communities’ chairmen at the local council secretariat hall.
At the parley attended by over 400 communities’ chairmen from across Akure South, Fasua emphasised the need for the community leaders to serve as veritable links between the government and the people, for the sake of development and peaceful co-existence.
He expressed gratitude to the chairmen for their active participation in discussions regarding the growth and development of the local government.
He also made it clear that the local government administration was unwavering in its commitment to implementing an all-inclusive government agenda in line with Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa’s vision, “to benefit everyone in Akure-South Local Government and Ondo State as a whole”.
Fasua elaborated on four major areas in which the government is actively working to enhance the lives of the people.
These areas, he said, include security, road infrastructure projects, the establishment of the Akure-South Local Government Market, and environmental cleanliness.
He, therefore, urged the chairmen to collaborate with the government in securing lives and property, as they are in closer proximity to the community, and that they should report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities for immediate action.
(E-signed)
Prince Iteyemi Adegoroye,
Personal Assistant to the Chairman,
Akure-South Local Government.
