The crisis rocking the Ondo State House of Assembly took a dangerous twist on Thursday in Akure as some protesters attacked the convoy of Governor Olusegun Mimiko.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the hoodlums smashed the side screens of two vehicles in the governor’s entourage. The protest, which started Wednesday, was against Mimiko’s move to present the 2017 budget to the Assembly.
The protesters alleged that the governor wanted to sponsor 38 bills and ensure their passage before his tenure expired on February 23, 2017.
According to an eye witness, “Immediately the protesters sighted the governor’s convoy on the road leading to the House of Assembly, some of them started throwing stones at the convoy.” It took the timely intervention of the police to disperse the protesters, some of whom were injured in the fracas that ensued.
However, the leader of the protesters, Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye condemned the action of the police, saying the protest was not a violent one. “We don’t know why there is this issue of sporadic shooting by the police in a peaceful protest. It is uncalled for and we are calling on the Inspector General of Police, well meaning Nigerians and citizens of Ondo State to look into the matter.”
However, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Femi Joseph, who confirmed the incident, explained that the Police had to disperse the protesters when they appeared to be going violent.
Kano High Court Affirms Suspension of APC’s Abdullahi Ganduje Pending Hearing
Governor Obaseki Appoints Omobayo Godwins As Deputy Governor
Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu Impeached By State House Of Assembly
NLC Protests At Labour Party Headquarters, Demands Chairman’s Resignation