Naira/Fuel Scarcity: Governor Makinde Deploys Free Transit Buses in Oyo

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced the deployment of free Omituntun Mass Transit buses to ease the pains of the people of the state.

This is coming on the heels of the twin crises of the naira and fuel scarcity that had bedevilled Nigerians in recent weeks.

Makinde, who announced this in a statewide broadcast aired on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), on Friday night, said the state government was ready to do whatever it could to alleviate the suffering of the masses.

The governor frowned at the violent protests by some residents of Ibadan earlier on Friday, saying while citizens were free to express their feelings peacefully, the government would not condone any resort to violence. He, therefore, called on all the security agencies operating in the state to be on high alert to avert any breakdown of law and order.

“First, let me say that I understand the need for these protests. When citizens get pushed to the wall, there is only so much that they can take. The continuous fuel scarcity and the scarcity of the naira have led to slow economic activities. I must repeat, I understand, and I feel your pain.

“I have always maintained that peaceful protests are fine. When things are not going how we want them to go, we have a right and even a responsibility to protest. Let me also state that while we are protesting, we must remember how easily a peaceful protest can turn violent and lead to the loss of lives and property,” the governor asserted.

He urged the people to ensure they use their Permanent Voters Cards to usher in a responsible government in the forthcoming general elections, saying resorting to violence breeds other problems.

Makinde stated: “I have suspended all campaign activities forthwith. I have also met with the heads of security agencies in Oyo State to restore calm and maintain the peace in our dear state. We must not allow elements within us who have other motives to take advantage of peaceful protests to perpetrate evil or push their agendas.

“I urge all law-abiding citizens and residents of the state to go about their lawful activities. All our security agencies are on high alert and so, peaceful residents of the state have no cause to fear,” the governor noted.

Makinde disclosed that he had directed that the Omituntun Mass Transit buses be deployed to more routes within the state for free, to ameliorate the suffering of the people.

He said the state was also working with Chairmen of Local Government Areas to provide immediate palliatives for the most vulnerable people, to alleviate the hardships that the twin scarcity of naira and fuel had brought upon them.

Emmanuel Ukoh