Makinde deploys free buses over fuel, naira crises

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde announced the deployment of free ‘Omituntun’ transport buses on Friday night to help ease the impact of the country’s fuel shortage and naira crises on the state’s residents.

Makinde made this known in a national broadcast broadcast on the state radio, the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State.

The governor, who frowned upon the violent protests that erupted in the state earlier on Friday, said his administration was ready to do whatever it took to ease the people’s pain.

However, he urged residents of the state to express their grievances peacefully, adding that his government would not condone the breakdown of law and order.

A statement from the chief press secretary to the governor, Taiwo Adisa, noted that Makinde also put security agencies in the state on high alert to prevent any public disturbance, according to a report by The eagle online.

According to the governor, the Omituntun public transportation buses will be deployed on more routes within the state to transport residents for free to ease the suffering of the people.

The governor also said he was working with the chairpersons of local governments in the state to provide immediate palliative remedies to the vulnerable to alleviate the hardships the crises had brought upon them.

On the air, Makinde said, “My dear good people of Oyo state.

“I am addressing you today because of the prevailing conditions in our state and country that have led to protests and riots, especially in Ibadan.

“Let me first say that I understand the need for these protests. When civilians are pushed against the wall, there is only so much they can take.

“The ongoing fuel shortage and the scarcity of the naira has led to sluggish economic activity. I must repeat, I understand, and I feel your pain.

“I have always maintained that peaceful protests are fine. If things don’t go the way we want, we have the right and even the responsibility to protest.

“Let me also say that as we protest, we must remember how easily a peaceful protest can turn violent and lead to the loss of life and property. The violence that erupted in parts of Ibadan today (Friday) is reprehensible and will not be tolerated.

“As a result of this, I have immediately suspended all campaign activities. I also met with the chiefs of security in Oyo State to restore calm and keep the peace in our precious state.

“Violence cannot and will not solve our problems, it only creates new ones. In a few weeks we will have another chance to take this country in a new direction. Use your PVC, no violence.

“We must not allow elements within us that have other motives to take advantage of peaceful protests to commit evil or push their agenda.

“I urge all law-abiding citizens and residents of the state to continue their legal activities. All of our security services are on high alert, so peaceful residents of the state have no reason to fear.

“As a mitigating measure, I have indicated that the Omituntun public transport buses should be deployed on more routes within the state for free.

“We are also working with local government chairpersons to see what immediate palliatives we can make available to the most vulnerable among us to alleviate the hardships that the dual fuel scarcity and naira have caused for our people.

“Once again, we have another opportunity to end oppressive systems and that is through the vote. For now, I urge everyone to remain calm as we do our best to ease the hardship.”