Ajimobi raises alarm over opposition’s plan to cause violence in Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has raised the alarm over alleged plan by some members of the opposition to use some individuals and groups to cause violence in the state as from next month.
The governor stated this while speaking at the 2014 Eid-El-Moulud celebrations organized by the state government at the Remembrance Arcade, Government House, Ibadan on Sunday.
He, however, vowed that his government would do everything possible to frustrate the efforts of the opposition to visit the state, which had been enjoying relative peace since the beginning of his administration, with violence.
According to the governor, since violence, brigandage and wanton destruction of lives and property had been successfully nipped in the bud, no agent of destruction or forces of darkness would be allowed to rear their ugly heads in the state again.
“Whatever it will take, we will not allow anybody, no matter his status in the society, to take Oyo State back to the era of violence. The era has gone for good. What we are doing in Oyo State now is to play politics of development.
“Whoever now thinks that the only strategy he can use to get to power through the back door is to cause crises and disaffection in the state should have a re-think, as such a person will be dealt with in accordance with the law,’’ he said.
Governor Ajimobi also said that his administration would not relent in empowering traders and artisans in the state with a view to improving their economic well-being.
He, however, urged the people of the state to get engaged in gainful trade or business that would enhance their chances of benefitting from the interest-free loans currently being given out by government.
The governor said that government could not be distributing money to people indiscriminately with the potential beneficiaries not having something tangible to do with it or without them belonging to a particular group attached to a particular market in the state.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Governor of Kano State, Mallam Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso commended his Oyo State counterpart for his good works in the state.
“On my arrival in Ibadan, we missed our way to the Government House, and this made us to move round the city before arriving at this programme. I could see a new flyover, clean environment and the positive effect of your urban renewal programme.
“I could also see some projects springing up everywhere around the Ibadan metropolis and I have decided to replicate some of these projects when I get back home. I can see your determination to make Oyo State better and I want to urge you not relent in your efforts.
In his lecture at the occasion, a renowned Islamic cleric and preacher, Sheikh Muideen Bello stressed the need for the people of the state to work together in unity to ensure the growth and development of the state.
He also appealed to leaders and other well-meaning individuals in the state to use their God-given wealth to better the lots of the people, particularly the less-privileged in the society.
The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Babatunde Salako said the support being enjoyed by the governor, particularly from the elite in the state was an attestation to the touch of excellence which he had brought to governance since his assumption of office.
