Kunle Adelabu
The major opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Ikorodu Local Government, has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, is using the traditional institutions to intimidate residents planning to participate in the protest against bad government.
The party, in a statement by its Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mr Sodiq Lamina, said that the APC is using Oro, Osugbo and other traditional cults to prevent citizens from the planed protest slated to hold between August 1 and 10, 2024.
In the past few days, there have been processions by traditionalists in Imota and Ikorodu, to issue warnings to those planning protests.
“The statement is titled, “Condemnation of APC Use of Traditional Institutions to Intimidate Citizens”,
“When APC was in opposition, the party led protest against fuel hikes, but allegedly responded with force and intimidation when they were faced with the #EndSars protest”, the PDP spokesperson said.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ikorodu Local Government, strongly condemn the All Progressives Congress (APC) government’s use of traditional institutions to intimidate and silence citizens.
“The reliance on traditional rulers and their traditions, such as Oro, Osugbo, Awopa, and masquerade, to scare people into submission, is undemocratic and highlights the APC’s fear of protests and inability to engage with citizens.
“We recall that in 2012, the APC, then in opposition, advocated for protests against fuel price hikes, but in November 2020, when faced with similar protests, they responded with force and intimidation. This stark contrast between their past and present actions exposes their inability to manage vital situations.
“In contrast, the PDP engaged with protesters, listened to their grievances, and implemented measures to address their concerns in 2012. We urge the APC government to adopt inclusive and democratic approaches to governance, rather than resorting to violence and intimidation.
“The #EndSARS protests have exposed the APC’s weaknesses, and their response has only served to further erode trust in their ability to manage vital situations. Nigeria deserves a government that can engage with its citizens, understand their grievances, and implement inclusive solutions’’, he said.
