By Banji Ayoola
Chairman of the South Western Nigeria Governors Forum and Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has declared his support for a virile, united and indivisible Nigeria as demanded by the Southern Governors’ Forum.
He said in a statement on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, My Richard Olatunde, that he is not in support of any secessionist agenda and or balkanization of the country as being canvassed by some groups in the country.
Akeredolu spoke in reaction to the claim by a leading campaigner for a purported Yoruba Nation out of Nigeria as presently constituted, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly called Igboho, who, while addressing a rally in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Saturday said that the agitation for a Yoruba Nation had Akeredolu’s blessing.
The statement said: “It has come to the knowledge of the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, that some group of persons who held a rally under the cover of what they term ‘secessionist agitations’ in Akure, on Saturday, May 22, 2021, erroneously claimed to have had his support for the rally.
“Governor Akeredolu wishes to state clearly that while he acknowledges the right of individuals and groups to hold peaceful rallies, it must not be misconstrued to mean support for secessionist agenda and or balkanization of the nation. Far from it.
“Unequivocally, the Governor’s opinion on the Akure rally or any other of its ilk, is only to the effect that he is not opposed to any civil protest which is not in breach of the extant laws of the Nation. He neither believes, nor supports the quest for the Yoruba Nation outside of Nigeria in the manner canvassed. Governor Akeredolu stands by a virile, united and indivisible Nigeria as demanded by the Southern Governors’ Forum.
“Therefore, the vigour, zeal, leadership and candour displayed by Governor Akeredolu for a just and fair Nigeria is altruistic, and borne out of patriotism for the Nation as well as love for his people, the Yoruba ethnic nationality.
“It is important, therefore, to state without any equivocation that the Yoruba Nation secessionist promoters do not enjoy any lending hand in Governor Akeredolu.”
Earlier on Saturday, the governor had declared that Ondo State is not part of any secessionist agenda to carve a purported Yoruba Nation out of Nigeria.
He had spoken in Akure, the state capital, at the swearing -of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Princess Oladunni Odu, and four Special Advisers.
According to him, no part of the state shall permit any gathering or agitation which may suggest, however, remotely, that “we are in support of unthinking rabble rousing.”
His words: “I state unequivocally as the Governor of Ondo State, who was elected by the people to serve them and protect their interests that our people have elected to stay in the Federal Republic of Nigeria as constituted presently.”
But Akeredolu noted that the growing disaffection in the country resulted from perceived inaction or passive indifference on the part of elected and appointed representatives of the government at all levels.
He said: “While some have been measured in their reactions to these problems, others have been less diplomatic. It is not uncommon to find groups and individuals purporting to act or speak on behalf of the rest of us.
“While it is the right of citizens to discuss, agitate and even fight to right perceived wrongs, which might culminate in self-determination, this must be done within known and acceptable parameters.
“All concerned must be identified, that is, agreed to pursue the same objectives to achieve a desirable or desired end. There must be a common platform through which the demands, from the most mundane to the sublime, must be presented.
“The reasons for the declaration of hostilities must not be fleeting fancies of disaffection engendered by perceived politics of exclusion for personal benefits. Self-determination must be a collective programme of action.
“We will continue to encourage dialogue as an effective tool in resolving disputes. We will also not shy away from joining others to insist on socio-economic justice.
“We will, however, not subscribe to banditry and recklessness in putting forth our demands.
“Our people are knowledgeable enough to determine their interest at any point. If and when they consider self-determination as an option, they will not depend on external promptings to act, and that is why we are different. That is why we are who we are.”
He promised to continue to eject and punish all trespassers occupying forests reserves with a view to ridding the state of undesirable elements.
In this wise, he said his administration would continue to arrest any under-age herder as well as prosecute the mindless handlers of “these unfortunate kids.”
He explained that his administration opted to participate in the Federal Government National Livestock Transformation Programme because it is aimed at encouraging any private businessman who took interest in breeding cattle to participate in the modern methods for profit.
He said it was not about a settlement of an ethnic group but a programme to be funded by the federal government in which they must be active participants.
Akeredolu, who condemned the attack on the convoy of the Benue State Governor, Mr. Samuel Ortom, urged security agencies to unmask the ‘agents of darkness’ bent on throwing the country into a state of anarchy.
