Ogun state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, is facing backlashes from a cross section of Nigerians on social media after a video of his press conference on the protest that rocked Sagamu went viral.
Odunews.com had earlier reported that residents of Sagamu area of Ogun state protested the alleged killing of a footballer by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in the state on Saturday.
The Protest however turned violent with about nine person reportedly shot during the protest.
In a press conference, the governor accused the protesters of aiming to aggravate an already tense situation in which attempts to destroy the police Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) were carried out, leading to fatalities.
Abiodun also put out a warning to any party seeking to cause more trouble in the state.
In the statement, the governor announced that “security has been further beefed up, including the involvement of the Nigerian Army and other law enforcement agencies.”
He advised that parents should caution their children against confronting security agents as governmentattempt to restore normalcy in the state.
He also stated that the presidency has been briefed on the incident that caused the death of some five persons, adding that the residents of the state can continue with their business as usual.
In closing, he promised that those who caused the death of the young footballer would be made to face the wrath of the law.
Nigerians have however berated the state’s Governor for the speech he delivered with some claiming that he is ‘insensitive to the plight of the Sagamu people’.
See some reactions below:
@DemolaRewaju: When your election to office is more dependent on party godfathers than the people of your state, the position you take cannot reflect otherwise. Democracy must be practiced as expected or our people will forever be shortchanged by ‘elected’ leaders. Dapo Abiodun is a shame.
@RealSolaKuti: Ogun state gov Dapo Abiodun was reading speech from podium after police killed his citizen? He bought a property in Ikoyi years ago, the tenants got a court order restraining him from evicting them illegaly, so he went there one day & removed their roof. He did not read speech.
@DrBenLuno: Dapo Abiodun the Ogun State governor is so useless and clueless, how can u be threatening people who lost their loved ones and got more killed for protesting without a word of caution to the murderers. This is an height of stupidity and irrationality of a govnor #SagamuOnFire
@FestusGreen: #EndSARS cut short a promising life residents took to the streets, Dapo came up with ALLEGATIONS against his constituents in favor of the police! He called in the Army to quench a protest, A PROTEST HE SHOULD’VE JOINED IN #Sagamu! Dapo Abiodun is a baby tyrant! #SagamuOnFire
@LekeOluseyi: Dapo Abiodun came to address the people of Ogun state following the tragic loss of lives and he could only issue threat to the already fragile peace. No word of empathy No commiseration How do you feel happy living and being ruled by these kind of leaders #SagamuOnFire
@iSlimfit: That speech by the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun is the most infuriating speech I’ve ever heard from a Governor. Not even a single word to acknowledge and regret the extra judicial killings of peaceful protesters by @PoliceNG No empathy whatsoever!! Shame! #SagamuOnFire
@fk149: Dapo Abiodun A governor that was mute for 24hrs after Policemen killed a footballer in his state He now comes out with the most insensitive speech you can think of Blaming Protesters Meanwhile he didn’t say a word about Policemen shooting at Protesters and even killing some
@Haboye_Cassano: Until now, I never knew the kind of man Dapo Abiodun was. But, this speech is a clear affirmation that not only is he remorseless but also insensitive and lack empathy. Took him all this time to talk, only to spew nonsense speech written by an aide. So sad #EndSarsNow
