BY LAW IBITOYE
The Chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria, Ekiti state Chapter, Hon Ojo Oluwasegun has pleaded with Ekiti youths to shelve the planned protest billed for 1st -10 August, 2024 to allow government address their demands.
Hon Ojo, who is also the Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, Omuo Ekiti made the appeal in a statement made available to journalists in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, said if the planned nation wide protest is not shelved, it could further jeopardize the fragile economy and peace of Ekiti State and Nigeria by extension. Adding that the economy has been so damaged that it will require courage, dedication and perseverance to put it on track, Better days ahead, the ALGON Chairman stated.
While pleading with the youths to see reasons why Government should be given more time to holistically proffer solutions to the challenges of the country, the ALGON chairman said though Nigerians have the constitutional rights to protest but urged them to dialogue with government.
According to the Chairman, “we can achieve a lot through dialogue, I am not saying everything is rosy but it will be suicidal if the efforts of government at repositioning and prioritizing welfare of the citizenry are now threatened with protest that can be highjacked by hoodlums whose missions are to destroy not only government facilities but loot, waste innocent lives and destroy properties.
The Chairman remarked that Governor Oyebanji has put in place several developmental projects and policies aimed at improving the standard of living of Ekiti residents, adding that participating in the protest could have negative effect on the progress of the state and the peaceful atmosphere may be tensed
While reminding the youths that dialogue remains the most effective way to address issues relating to good governance. The chairman reminded the youths that Nigeria has not fully recovered from the destructive effects of the ‘End Sars protest,’ Hon Ojo enjoined the youths to engage government in a progressive manner that would further strengthen relationship for optimal performance .
The chairman called on parents, religious leaders, royal fathers and community leaders to plead with the youths to give Government more time to address their grievances.
Hon Ojo assured the people of Ekiti East Local Government of his total commitment to serve them diligently and prioritize their well-being. He charged them to continue to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji for more dividends of democracy.