Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi 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 on Saturday, 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: “Nigeria could be in this situation for now. We could be experiencing anger and hunger in the land and that is why our people want to protest.
“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 added that as part of such efforts to uplift the city, he would inaugurate a committee to steer the planned upgrade of Ibadan Airport on Tuesday and that the state government would break the ground for the project in about six weeks.
He reiterated that within 18 months, there will be a new Ibadan Airport that is of international standard.
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.
He added: “I greet the members of the IPU, Omo Ajorosun and other prominent Ibadan Social Clubs. I greet our religious leaders, Chief Imam of Ibadanland and other important guests.”
Also speaking, the wife of the governor, Mrs Tamunominini Olufunke 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 her husband, 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.
Speaking 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.
He said: “Our Governor is, indeed, a true son of Ibadanland. He has a lot of work on his table to undertake, but he is here today because today’s event is an Ibadan agenda. Personally, I appreciate him for that.
“I want to commend him, again, for handing over power to his Deputy. It shows he is pleased with him and knows that he is loyal and dedicated.
“Today, 163 clubs are represented in this event. In the time of Governor Makinde, we are able to have a new palace, which has been adjudged the best palace in the whole of Africa.
“We completed it within seven months. Our governor promised us and fulfilled his promise fully. Indeed, he is a promise-keeper.”
