ONDO: Senator warns Akeredolu over police brutality on protesting youths

A federal lawmaker from Ondo State, Senator Nicholas Tofowomo has warned the state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu over the ambushed suffered by some protesting youth at the governor’s office on Monday.

Youths from Ilaje Local Government had on Monday staged a protest at the governor’s office, Akure, against non-development of the riverine area by the Ondo State Oil-Producing Areas Commission, only for the police operatives attached to the governor’s office to allegedly brutalize them, with several sustaining injuries.

The senator who is representing Ondo South Senatorial District of the state in a statement, issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Mr. Akinrinlola Olumide, described the incident as unfortunate, irresponsible, and unacceptable.

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According to the statement, the senator cautioned the state governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, on his attempt to introduce gangstarism into governance in the state.

He also called on the people to hold the governor responsible for any injury sustain by the youths.

The statement read, “We condemn the unlawful shooting of youths from Ilaje Local Government who were exercising their constitutional rights at the governor’s office by expressing their grievances and pressing forward their demands to the state government through carrying of placards and banners in a peaceful protest.

“Akeredolu should be held responsible for the shooting of these innocent protesters who sustained varying injuries as a result of illegal use of firearms by the police.

“The governor should tread with caution, and not bring gangsterism into governance through the back door. This has never happened in the history of Ondo State and none of his predecessors engaged in the use of firearms to communicate with their citizens”.

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