We prefer OPC to Police, Mimiko says

The Yoruba race as a people feels better protected by the socio cultural group, Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) than they do with the Nigerian Police force, according to Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state.

Speaking at the 80th birthday celebration of the OPC founder, Dr Frederick Fasehun, in Lagos on Saturday, Mimiko said “You founded OPC, today, I tell you in Yoruba land that many Yoruba people will feel secure with OPC guarding their streets than the conventional police,” he said.

The governor noted that the formation of the group was one of the many legacies of Fasehun, and that the Yoruba area was more protected by members of the Oodua Peoples` Congress (OPC) than the Police.

“It is not yet over; you struggled for democracy for this country; the second part of it is indeed the struggle for restructuring Nigeria into true federal states.

“One thing is clear and I have always said this that OPC is about protection of Yoruba people, because Yoruba people hate injustice,’’ he said.

He described Fasehun as detribalised and unique Nigerian and a gentleman.

“I speak on behalf of the government and people of Ondo state; we are proud of you.

‘’As a governor of Ondo state, I am proud to be associated with you,’’ he added.

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In his remark, Maj. Hamzat Al-Mustapha (retd), former Chief Security of Officer (CSO) to late Sanni Abacha, former Head of State, said Fasehun was large hearted and a bridges builders.

“He has done quite a lot; nobody can quantify the much he has put across the country.

‘’He has the capacity and the wisdom and the large heart to build bridges of peace in Nigeria,” he said.

Al-Mustapha also described Fasehun as ‘’brave, dependable, fearless and knowledgeable’’.

In his speech, Fasehun, said that the celebration was organised to build bridges as it brought different ethnic groups in Nigeria together.

“Our country needs to be re-organised and that is why I feel very happy that many ethnic nationalities are here because we want to use this opportunity to start bridge-building in this country,“ he said.

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