The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo state has emphasized that anti-government postures in the name of violent street protests and instigation of anarchy could not be an option to genuine patriots who desire a better Nigeria “as no nation has ever experienced quick fix after influenced implosion and mindless rebellion”.
Many people have added their voice to the call on the sponsors and promoters of the planned nationwide protests to shelve their plan and embrace dialogue even as the federal government has not denied the fact the current hardship in the country was triggered by the removal of subsidy on imported petroleum products as announced by President Tinubu on May 29, 2023.
While joining the fray of eminent personalities and leaders of thought in the country who have been appealing for caution and restraint, the Chairman of the APC in Oyo state, Barrister Isaac Omodewu, has opined that any protest staged against the federal government in any part of the country at this time could be hijacked by the enemies of the state and economic saboteurs who feel the hit various reforms being introduced by the present administration to fix the country.
Omodewu said, in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan at the weekend by the Publicity Secretary of Oyo APC, Olawale Sadare, that the calls for protests was being championed mostly by “leeches-like powerful individuals who had been benefitting from the rotten system and who do not want a change to occur for selfish reasons. They see prospects for Nigeria in what President Tinubu and his team are doing but they do not want it to happen because they prefer the status quo to remain even if Nigeria would be worse for it.
“It is unfortunate all of us now face economic frustration on account of a decision considered the only way out for our dear country to emerge from the woods. The administration of President Bola Tinubu took a bold step to discontinue the payment of subsidy on imported petroleum products by the federal government and the resulted in the astronomical rise in the prices of goods and services to the extent that life became unbearable for most residents of the country. But the good thing is that Mr. President is folding his arms. We only need patience and understanding because relief is on the way.
“No reasonable patriot would support any protest at this critical time going by the record of the ugly experience we had in 2020 when some criminal elements hijacked the ENDSARS protest and used the opportunity to inflict woes on many innocent families and the society in general. President Tinubu has not been found wanting as he demonstrates competence, commitment and passion to rescue Nigeria but we should realize that he was not voted into office to perform magic. So, we must avoid playing into the hands of evil forces which have held the country by her jugular for decades. Those warming up for the orchestrated protests should have a rethink and rechannel their efforts to allow our leaders focus on the job given to them.” Omodewu added.
