Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, has condemned in strong terms, the wanton destruction of both Public and Private assets by hoodlums who hijacked the #ENDSARS protest in the state.
Governor Akeredolu described the destruction spree embarked upon by the hoodlums as worrisome and deeply disheartening.
The Governor said having assessed the situation in the last few days, Schools must remained closed for the time being.
“Already, our children are billed to return to school after the disruption occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic surge are back home. Having assessed the situation in the last few days, we are convinced beyond reasonable doubt that our children must still remain at home for the time being.” the Governor stated.
Addressing Journalists at a Press Briefing held at the Government House in Akure, the State Capital, on Sunday, Governor Akeredolu lamented that the loss of lives as well as the mindless destruction of public and private properties in Akure, Ondo, Ore and Okitipupa cannot receive accolades under any guise.
He said such actions were totally reprehensible, condemnable and hugely misdirected, stressing that he was convinced beyond any reasonable doubt that there was more to it than meets the eye.
Governor Akeredolu who is also the Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, also condemned a video by one Adeyinka Godson, giving ultimatum to Igbos to leave the Southwest region.
Describing the video as puerile, divisive and revisionist, the Governor enjoined the Igbos and other tribes in the Southwest to disregard the ultimatum and go about their legitimate business.
Governor Akeredolu disclosed that those that have been arrested in connection with the destruction of properties in the state will face the full wrath of law.
He said:”We will set up a committee to assess those damages and come up with what to be paid. Individuals whose properties were destroyed will be adequately compensated by the state.
“Based on preliminary reports, I undertook a tour of affected areas and assets alongside security chiefs for an on the spot assessment.
“I have seen with my eyes, the painful destruction of public assets such as the High Court Complex, Local Government Secretariat including school shuttle buses all in Okitipupa, several Police Stations, vehicles, offices, banks, markets as well as assets of private individuals.
“Of note is the Okitipupa Correctional Centre where inmates, including convicted ones have been released.
“We particularly express our heartfelt sympathy to one of our illustrious sons, Engr Ife Oyedele FNSE, over the malicious and senseless damage done to his residence in Okitipupa.“
The Governor appreciated the good people of the state for the swift perception given to the ugly incidents as very untoward, adding that their fresh insights, new views and opinions were very helpful in dousing the tension that was foisted by mischief makers and fifth columnists wanted to take undue advantage of a supposedly legitimate demands.
Olabode Richard Olatunde
Special Assistant to the Governor (New Media)
October 25, 2020.