Oyo State governor, Engineer eyi Makinde has counselled Nigerians planning to protest over hardship in the country to exercise their rights in a peaceful manner and not resort to violence or destruction of public facilities.
He stated that while protests are within the rights of all Nigerians, destruction of public utilities and other properties built with government money would culminate into the government having to spend resources that can be channeled to more meaningful use to fix the damage.
The governor gave this admonition while speaking at the grand finale of the 2024 Ibadan Week organised by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.
He said”Yes, protest is everybody’s right. But remember that we used your money to build all the structures and facilities we have put in place in this state, not mine. So, if you want to protest, it must be peaceful.
“If you begin your protest, don’t destroy government properties, otherwise, we will have to use the money we are supposed to spend on meaningful projects to replace facilities that may get destroyed.”
Governor Makinde, who commended the CCII and all the leaders in Ibadanland for working towards the growth and development of the city, said his administration has been doing its best to uplift the state capital.
He appreciated the president for approving the airport upgrade.
The governor equally lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the approval given to Oyo State to take over the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan formerly known as Liberty Stadium.
The governor promised that the stadium would wear a new look soon.
Also speaking, the wife of the governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, who was given the award of Most Outstanding Wife of Ibadan, expressed her delight at the award, appreciating the CCII for the honour done to her and to all Ibadan people for always standing by the governor.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal was conferred with the award of Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadan, at the event.
Earlier, the President-General of CCII, Chief Suleiman Ajewole, described Governor Makinde as a true son of Ibadanland and a promise-keeper, commending him for midwifing the delivery of a new Olubadan Palace.
