By DAPO FALADE
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has thrown his weight behind the ongoing #ENDSARS protests across the country, declaring that officers and men of the Nigerian Police should take the back seat in the course of the protest in the state.
He made the declaration in his statewide broadcast, on Monday, noting that the people of the state have been briefing in the past few days, following the deaths and injuries sustained as a result of the actions of the law enforcement agency during the protests.
He restated his position that peaceful protest is a legitimate means for the people to make their grievances known to the government, adding that it is unacceptable for anyone to be hurt during such protests.
“Last night [Sunday], I held an emergency meeting with the heads of the main security agencies in Oyo State. I have again restated my position on the ongoing protests to them.
“And we have agreed that the police should take a back seat as other security agencies take the frontlines in securing the lives of protesters, at this time.
“Therefore, we have deployed members of Operation Burst to the hot spots, especially Ogbomoso, to ensure that, as people protest, they will not be harassed or brutalised.
“The past few days have been ones of grief for the people of Oyo State. I cannot imagine the pain and frustration of the parents and families of those who have died or are hospitalised as a result of the actions of the Nigeria Police Force during these End SARS protests.
“As I stated clearly in my earlier statement, peaceful protests are a legitimate way for citizens to make their grievances known to the government and it is totally unacceptable for anyone to be hurt during such protests.
“I want to reassure the good people of Oyo State, that I am doing everything within my power, to ensure that no further lives are lost. I urge all residents of Oyo State to go about their activities without fear.
“To the protesters, I say, you can please continue to protest peacefully. These are trying times for all of us and I pray that God continues to guide us and give us wisdom to navigate through them,” the governor said.
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