By DAPO FALADE
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has described the ongoing #ENDSARS protests across some parts of the country as a strong indicator of a systemic failure.
This was as he condemned the death of Jimoh Isiaka who was shot during the #ENDSARS protest in Ogbomoso and later died at the Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, earlier today.
The governor also acknowledged that seven other persons, including Abdulrasaq Olawale and Oluwadamilarr Gbolohunmi, also sustained injuries during the same protest.
He described the situation as highly regrettable, just as he said he had contacted the state Commissioner of Police, Oyo State, Nwachukwu Enwonwu, and other relevant agencies on the incident.
Governor Makinde said investigations into what led to the unfortunate incident are still ongoing, adding; “I pray that God grants the parents of Jimoh Isiaka the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
“The #ENDSARS protests are a strong indicator of a systemic failure. It is a failure on the part of those who have been constitutionally empowered to protect the citizens.
“It again calls into question why state hovernors are called Chief Security Officers of their state whereas, they do not have the necessary powers to control the police force.
“I will be paying a personal visit to the family of Jimoh Isiaka and I promise to pursue the investigations to a logical conclusion.
“Peaceful protests are a big part of our democratic process. The right to freedom of speech and assembly are guaranteed by our Constitution, and I will never support any attempt to rob citizens of their fundamental human rights.
“I call on all residents of Oyo State to please remain calm. I also call on the police to allow residents of Oyo State protest peacefully without fear of being assaulted,” he assured.
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