365NEWS gathered that the Ekiti state police command has revealed that it has deployed more security operatives to strategic government offices in the state to forestall possible invasion of the premises by Yoruba secessionist groups.
It would be recalled that some group of individuals under the guise of Yoruba nation agitators invaded the premises of the Oyo state House of Assembly on Saturday to take over the place before they were subdued by a combined team of security agencies.
Speaking with Tribune Online on Sunday, the commissioner of police in Ekiti state, Kunle Akinwale said the command was aware of Saturday’s event in Oyo state and had mobilised its tactical team to the government house and offices including the state of house assembly.
The CP said, “The issue is that, if it can happen in Oyo state, it can happen anywhere. We are fully on the ground here in Ekiti and we have beefed up security already but the only thing is that we don’t want to create any panic in the state through massive deployment.
“But I can tell you that we have deployed to strategic areas and our men on surveillance and intelligence gathering are already on the field and they are monitoring what is going on. So, there is no cause for alarm.”
On his part, the commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun told the correspondent that all security agencies in the state have been alerted on the development, expressing optimism that an event of such would not be allowed in Ekiti state.
According to Olatunbosun, ” As a government, we are ensuring the security of lives and property for citizens and the security agencies are up to the task but we don’t envisage such things here in Ekiti. We are civilized people and under democratic rules, people have the right of opinion, right of association and right of expression but every form of right has its own limits as well.
“My only appeal to people is that everybody should comport themselves within the ambit of the rule of law and ensure we did not break any constitutional provisions.
“People of Ekiti should go about their lawful businesses without any form of fear, because the governor, Biodun Oyebanji is here to serve the people and to ensure that people do their legitimate businesses without any form of harassment and intimidation. We value our virtues here.”
Meanwhile, Few hours after agitators of the Yoruba Nation stormed Oyo State Secretariat in Ibadan on Saturday, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has also beefed up security measures around government structures in Osun State to forestall any occurrence of alleged takeover by suspected Yoruba agitators.
The governor spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, who made this known in a statement in Osogbo, hinted that Adeleke has directed his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Mr Samuel Ojo, to ensure immediate mobilisation of joint security teams to secure the State Government Secretariat, the Government House, and other strategic government buildings including the headquarters of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC).
The statement stressed, “In line with the Governor’s directive, security men and women were deployed to identified locations yesterday to ensure the Oyo State incident is not repeated at Osogbo, the Osun State Capital.”
“Governor Adeleke while issuing the directive called for rededication to the ideals of a united Nigeria with ongoing constitutional amendments to ensure a truly federal system in Nigeria.”
He urged agitators to join the crusade for the reform of the federal system to ensure adjustments that give the states more autonomy and responsibilities.
According to the Governor, Nigerian problems can only be resolved by dialogue within the constitutional framework, citing ongoing constitutional amendments that are restoring more powers to the states.
He cited the movement of railways and electricity from exclusive to concurrent legislative list, noting that even the United States of America is still reforming her federal system.
“I associate with my brother, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde. I urge the agitators to sheath their swords. We must continue to try to realize the Nigeria of our dreams.
“We must support President Tinubu as he drives the federal reform efforts. We have a duty to stand by Mr President in the realization of this difficult national assignment.”, Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying.