By Cheta Enyoghasi
The nationwide protest, which began across the nation on Thursday seems to be snubbed in Ekiti state, as no demonstration was staged in strategic places in the state.
It can be recalled that the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji had on Wednesday promised to protect the lives and property of the state’s inhabitants ahead of the protest.
The governor had also noted that Nigeria cannot afford “another massive destruction of our economic base” as observed during the #EndSARS demonstration, which resulted in the destruction of various private and government infrastructure.
Speaking in a statewide broadcast on Wednesday morning, the governor expressed concern that the planned demonstration could become violent and in turn undo his administration’s steady progress toward shared prosperity.
In addition, the state government had met with a variety of interest groups, including monarchs, student leaders, market ladies, craftsmen, drivers’ unions, and security agencies, in order to dissuade them from joining the protest.
Also a group of leaders in Ado Ekiti advised youths to consider those who rely on their daily livelihoods before deciding on lengthy strikes and processions.
Speaking for the group, Tajudeen Olusi, the organization’s National Leader and ex-permanent secretary, stated that the government is addressing most of the youths’ complaints, particularly hunger.
“We have total aversion for a strike that will last 10 days. It is abnormal. We are not opposed to a protest, but a protest that will last long will degenerate to an unanticipated and undesirable outcome, and we don’t want it. We urge people to go about their lawful duties without fear of molestation,” he said.
