IGP Olukayode Egbetokun
The People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State on Monday cried out over the invasion of its State Secretariat in Akure to stall a peaceful protest by its youth wing demanding the whereabouts of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
In a statement by its state spokesman, Mr Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, the PDP petitioned the Inspector General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun and the state police boss to immediately withdraw their men from its secretariat.
Following is the full press statement dated 16th October, 2023, and titled “How Akeredolu led APC failed to stall “Aketi must resume or resign” protest”:
“As early as 6.00 am this morning, a combined team of Police, SSS men and Anti-cultists Unit of the Nigerian Police stormed the Ondo State PDP Secretariat with Amourned Personnel Carrier (APC), more than 8 Hilux vehicles and nearly 400 men in all to seal off the secretariat in order to stall a PDP Youth Wing protest to demand the whereabouts of Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu who has not been seen in Ondo State since April this year.
“Even staff of the secretariat were denied access to their offices. The stern-looking officers offered no explanations.
“However, it took frantic efforts of members of the PDP State Working Committee before the secretariat gate was opened amidst serious tension and confrontation.
“PhotoJournalists were threatened to stop recording anything lest, their cameras were smashed. But as the PDP youths forced themselves into the secretariat, proceeding on a street protest would amount to daring the trigger-happy police to do their worst.
“As much as the officers tried to stop the protest, they failed because the youths displayed their banners and placards to Journalists who gained entrance into the secretariat.
“As we speak, the policemen are still in front of the secretariat with their vehicles. I want to use this medium to appeal to the Inspector General of the Nigerian Police and the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command to immediately withdraw their men from our secretariat. We cannot be intimidated by security agents who are paid with taxpayers’ money. We have the right to demand for the whereabouts of the governor if he is missing in action.
“Early yesterday, the APC spokesman in a fear-laden statement accused the PDP of instigating crisis in Ondo State. We make bold to say that the presence of the security men is not unconnected with the APC’s fear of its shadow and their failure to get Akeredolu to come to Ondo State for the assignment he was elected for.
“Let it be known to all, that we shall continue to demand for Akeredolu to resume or resign until either is achieved.”.
