The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday, commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for keeping the peace in the state.
Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Suleiman Olanrewaju, stated this while playing host to the 46th General Officer Commanding of the 2 Mechanised Division, Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan, Maj. Gen. Obinna Onubogu, at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat in Ibadan, the state capital.
The governor, who used the occasion to throw light on the invasion of the Government Secretariat last Saturday by Yoruba Nation agitators, explained how the effective security system in the state was able to bring the aggressors to their knees in no time.
Yoruba Nation agitators, wearing masks and military uniforms and armed with rifles and charms, had on Saturday invaded the Oyo State government secretariat and attempted to hoist the Yoruba Nation flag on the premises of the state House of Assembly.
They were, however, overpowered by security agencies with 21 of them arrested and paraded by the police on Monday in Ibadan.
Makinde commended security agencies in the state for the roles they played in stopping the invaders and apprehending them, stating that the emergency security response system was activated and that it worked perfectly to arrest the situation on time.
The governor said, “On what happened on Saturday, the Emergency Security Response was activated and it actually worked. The response was quick, and timely and I believe the hoodlums and miscreants met something that was beyond their imagination. Within one hour, everything was under control.
“Let me use this opportunity to thank you and other security agencies in the state. Everybody responded timely and we are grateful for the timely response. Concerning the unfortunate incident, what I can say is that we must win the war but we must also win peace. It is a challenging period.
“Anybody in the position of authority in this country, whether military, political or governmental positions, even people leading in our communities are challenged at this time because, as a leader, if people you are leading are hungry and angry, we have to put heads together and see how we can minimise some of those causative agents of this type of situation.”
He, therefore, called on the new GOC to sustain the cordial relationship between the 2 Mechanised Division and the government on the one hand and between the Division and the people of the state on the other.
Earlier, Maj-Gen Onubogu stated that the warm reception accorded him showed the cordial relationship that had always existed between the state Government and the Nigerian Army.
He said, “We are indeed in a period of security challenges and I want to commiserate with you and the good people of the state over the invasion of the secretariat by some self-acclaimed, irredentists on April 13, 2024.
“This incident is unfortunate as it shows that despite the peace that exists in the state, there are still sons and daughters of South-West Nigeria who are bent on challenging the state, the entire South-West as well as Nigeria as a whole.
“I have taken note of some of the gaps that preceded this incident and I want to assure you that under my watch, we will play our part to ensure that such a situation does not arise again,” he said.
Meanwhile,the House of Representatives South-West caucus, on Monday, condemned the Saturday invasion of the Oyo State Government secretariat, describing the development as a threat to the peace and stability of the South-West region.
In a statement jointly signed by the trio of James Faleke, Taofeek Ajilesoro, and Adewunmi Onanuga, the South-West House of Representatives Caucus condemned the action of the Yoruba Nation agitators.
They said, “As representatives of the people, we stand firmly against any form of unlawful behavior and violence that undermines the rule of law and the unity of our country, Nigeria. It is essential that all grievances and demands should be addressed through peaceful and lawful means, respecting the rights and well-being of all citizens.
“We urge all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue, prioritise the welfare of our people, and work towards finding peaceful and lasting solutions to any grievances. Violence and lawlessness have no place in our society, and we call on all individuals to uphold the principles of peace, unity, and respect for the rule of law.
“The South-West caucus remains committed to upholding the values of democracy, justice, and unity in our region and the country at large. Together, we can overcome challenges and build a better future for all.”
