Change Of Govt In Oyo State: CP Olukolu Warns NURTW Factions Against Violence, Disorder
The Oasis Reporters
May 28, 2019
Despite the reassurances of the Oyo State Police Commissioner, indications portray that as happy as citizens are with the change of guard at Government House from the APC led government of Abiola Ajimobi to the incoming regime of Engr. Oluseyi Makinde of the PDP, May 29, 2019, not much celebrations would be held on the streets of Ibadan as fear of a possible outbreak of violence looms.
Ibadan used to be known for such violent skirmishes, mostly over the control of the highly lucrative road transport unions.
Anticipating that, an anonymous online message has gone viral on the social media to which the Oyo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Olukolu reacted to.
He said an unsigned, uncaptioned and undated statement was going viral on the social media purported to predict an imminent breakdown of law and order in Oyo State, but cautioned that those behind such purported plans should not test the will and capacity of security agencies in Oyo State to deal adequately with any threats in the State,
“The Commissioner of Police in the statement asked residents and indigenes of Oyo State to disregard the alleged threat of break down of peace in the state by the leaders of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on 29th of May, during the inauguration of the incoming governor of Oyo State, Eng Seyi Makinde, saying, the state Police Command are on top of the situation.
“The attention of the police in Oyo State has been drawn to an unsigned, uncaptioned and undated statements going viral on the social media purported to cause imminent breakdown of law and order in Oyo State, ascribing to an unapproved means of change of leadership by the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The Police Commissioner wishes to reassure the good people of Oyo State and the entire citizenry that the police in Oyo State are on top of the situation and are working closely in the synergy with the State government, the Union members both at the State and the National levels and other sisters security agencies.” he said.
CP Olukolu added in the statement that ” in order to ensure that the transport union is not given any breathing space to create chaos or breach of peace at anywhere or any part of the state, adequate security has been put in place, re-jigged and re-vitalised to respond to any security threats from any parts of the state including but not limited to the popular Iwo Road roundabout and the NURTW state headquarters and other popular motor parks and beyond.”
Oyo State Police Command on Monday warned against purported plans by a faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state to cause mayhem during the May 29 handing over ceremony.
The Police Command handed down the warning in a statement signed by the Oyo state Police Commissioner, CP Shina Olukolu made available to journalists in Ibadan.
The CP then asked the people of the state to ignore the purported threat to peace come May 29. saying. AIG Zone XI, Leye Oyebade has also assured that peace and tranquility will reign in Oyo State particularly during the forthcoming inauguration swearing in of the new administration in Oyo State.
“The police boss therefore wishes to inform the people to ignore the purported threats allegedly being issued by an unscrupulous individual who allegedly intends to cause breach of peace under the pretext of assuming the leadership of NURTW in Oyo State by unleashing terror on the incumbent leadership in the State and forcibly taking over the administration of local parks in Oyo State.
The CP however warned any individuals or group who intends to cause mayhem on the 29th of May, 2019 to desist from their plan or change ways and do not test the will and capacity of security agencies in Oyo State to deal adequately with any threats in the State, vowing that the police remain resolute in the performance of their constitutional responsibilities of the protection of life and properties in the state.
“People should continue to partner, support and synergise with the police in particular, the entire security agencies to ensure that the relative peace being enjoyed in Oyo State is not truncated by misguided individuals or group
The original message in circulation cautions citizens to be careful and watchful about their going out, especially “around motor parks in Ibadan and other towns in Oyo state from Tuesday evening and Wednesday when the new governor will be sworn-in because there’s likely to be a heavy fight between the NURTW drivers union officials as members of a faction amongst them have vowed to take over the garages all over Oyo state by use of force and weapons. It could as well happen on Wednesday evening/Thursday morning. So be careful, stay indoors if you have nothing pressing to do outside on those days and warn your friends too.”
Additional reporting: New Nigerian
