The Ondo State Chapter of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) has condemned in string terms the order of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to policemen to shoot protesters in the state. In a statement signed by the Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Zadok Akintoye, the party expressed sadness over the reoccurring issue of clampdown on peaceful protests by the Ondo State Government.
The statement reads in full:
We have observed the rise of tyranny against the people of our dear Ondo state, by the Rotimi Akerelodu SAN led APC government with the recent alleged authorisation of the use of live ammunition against peaceful protesters from the riverine communities who had gathered to peacefully advocate for their rights.
We note with deep concern, the increasing use of force (as noted in the violent dispersal of students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko and protesters from Ilaje community) and unwillingness to listen to the demands of citizens of this state for the actualization of their rights within a democratic system. It would have been ordinarily expected, that a democratically elected government would seek the ethos of democracy in the discharge of its responsibilities rather than resort to acts of tyranny and force, only experienced under military dictatorship.
The APC led government must be warned, that the right to life of any citizen of this state remains a constitutionally guaranteed matter that must be respected, protected and promoted. While we can understand the intoxicating effect of power on those who wield it, we would like to advise Mr Governor to remember that Ondo state and its people would not be cowed by any act of intimidation, cohesion or force and that he would be made accountable for the actions he has taken against the people.
We use this opportunity to appeal to our people to calmly take record of all acts by this government against our peace and right to life as citizens of this state and to remain steadfast in our demand for our rights.
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