Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday, praised the State’s youth for shunning the anti-hunger protest.
A statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Lekan Adeniran, stated that Governor Abiodun particularly commended “the youth and students for shunning the protest.”
The governor, who had earlier advised the State’s youth to not join the ongoing nationwide protests, scheduled to come up between August 1st to 10th, against hunger, hardship and high cost of living, was of the view that “there was no protest in the state,” yesterday the protests started nationwide.
The Governor believed that the youth of the state “hearkened to the advice of the state government not to allow themselves to be used by frustrated politicians.”
The statement published by the Punch Newspaper on Friday, August 2nd, 2024 reads: “I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation to our vibrant youths, dedicated students, and all the citizens of Ogun State for the exemplary manner in which you conducted yourselves by shunning the nationwide protests. This is a testament to your commitment to justice, unity, and the betterment of our society.
“I commend each and every one of you for your discipline and resolve in ensuring that our state remained peaceful. Your ability to stand firm in your convictions while maintaining order and respect is commendable. It is a reflection of the maturity and responsibility that our youth embody.
“I am particularly grateful that by your actions, you did not allow hoodlums or any elements to turn our state into a war zone. This shows not only your strength in numbers but also your strength of character. You have sent a powerful message that our voices can be heard without resorting to violence or destruction.”
However, PIJAlance has found the statement of Governor Abiodun misleading and embroidered in layers of an unfounded claim.
THE TRUTH
The PIJAlance can independently confirm that on Thursday, there was an #EndBadGovernance protest staged at the Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO) Stadium in Abeokuta as gathered by our correspondent in the State.
The protest started around 8am on Thursday morning and lasted for some hours, with youth chanting “End bad governance,” amongst other chants.
The protesters were with different placards, stating their demands. One of the placards reads: “Food inflation is killing us. #EndBadGovernance.”
There was also the heavy presence of the Nigeria Joint Task Force in a show of force, restricting the protesters from entering the stadium where they had been initially allotted to commence the protest. The protesters were limited to the two-lane road in front of the stadium. They roamed the two lanes of the road, chanting their demands.
The video below by PIJAlance Magazine confirmed the Governor’s claim to be false.
Therefore, the claim that Ogun State youth shunned the anti-hunger protest by Governor Dapo Abiodun, is false.
The truth: Ogun State youth joined the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest in Abeokuta, on Thursday.
Read Also: FACT-CHECK: Nyanya Police Station in FCT, Not Burnt Down by #EndBadGovernance Protesters
Enoch Oyedibu
Brazen Investigative Journalist with a knack for tracking the grassroots impacts of government procurement, amplifying marginalised stories and contributing to community development. Data | Multimedia | Stories.