Akeredolu: Tensions escalated this morning as the Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretariat was forcefully sealed off by a combined team of Police, SSS men, and Anti-cultists Unit.
The move aimed to thwart a planned PDP Youth Wing protest demanding information on the whereabouts of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who has been absent from the state since April this year.
According to Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Ondo State, staff were denied access to their offices as officers remained tight-lipped. However, after intense negotiation, the gate was eventually opened, allowing the PDP youths to enter.
Despite attempts by the security forces to quell the protest, the determined youths managed to display their banners and placards to journalists present.
Nevertheless, the police presence outside the secretariat continues to stir tensions.
The PDP has appealed to the Inspector General of the Nigerian Police and the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, to withdraw the security personnel from the secretariat, citing the right to demand accountability for the governor’s absence.
Read also: Where is Akeredolu?: Security Agencies Seal PDP Secretariat
In a related development, the APC spokesperson released a statement yesterday, accusing the PDP of fermenting unrest in the state. The PDP, however, remains resolute in their call for Governor Akeredolu to either resume his duties or resign.
See full statement:
16th October, 2023.
*PRESS STATEMENT*.
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.
Kennedy Ikantu Peretei.
State Publicity Secretary, PDP, Ondo State.
