Naira Swap Protest: Police in Kwara arrest five, as Gov. calls for calm
…Says ‘We are in this together’
By Saka Laaro, Ilorin
Kwara State Police Command has arrested five suspects over alleged public disturbances, following their involvement in early Wednesday morning protest on the Naira notes swap in Ilorin, the State Capital.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Okasanmi Ajayi, and made available to journalists in Ilorin on Wednesday.
He said the Command had earlier warned against protests and public processions under any guise because such unwholesome behaviour could be hijacked by hoodlums.
According to him, the Command woke up to an unlawful burning of disused tires on some major roads in the Ilorin Metropolitan Area on Wednesday morning, in spite of the earlier warning by the Command against such unwholesome behaviour by hoodlums in the wake of the Naira note swap.
“The situation has, however, been brought under control, and normalcy has already been established.
“The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Police Command, CP Paul Odama, psc (+), has ordered aggressive motorised and foot patrols of the metro,” he said.
Ajayi advised parents and guidance to warn their children or wards to avoid being used as canon-fodder by disgruntled political activists, as any one arrested in the process of committing any crime, either as a result of the fuel or Naira challenges, would be made to face the consequences of such actions alone.
“Once again, the good people of Kwara State are advised to go about their lawful daily endeavors.
“Enough security arrangements have been placed across the length and breadth of Kwara State to ensure the safety and security of law-abiding citizens and residents,” he added.
He explained that the five suspects already arrested in the course of the disturbances on Wednesday would be charged in court after investigation.
It would be recalled that some irate youths had block some major roads in Ilorin, the State capital burning used tyres to protest the scarcity of new Naira notes.
In the process, some cars had their screens or mirrors smashed by the hoodlums who had hijacked what initially looked like peaceful protest.
…We are in this together — Gov.
Meanwhile, Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has sympathised with the people of the State on the continuous scarcity of the Naira as a result of the recent CBN’s currency redesign policy.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye and made available to journalists in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital on Wednesday, the Governor appealed to the people of the State to remain calm and peaceful, and not give in to any frustrations over the Naira scarcity.
“I testify to the inconvenience this development has brought. We are in this together, and we are not missing any opportunity to work with the CBN and the Federal Government to bring ease to the people within reasonable time. I admit it has been tough, and we do not take your patience for granted.
“I sincerely appeal to you to remain calm. We are a resilient people who are popular for our peaceful nature and our history of seeking reliefs with calmness and absolute restraints. This is a passionate appeal to the good people of Kwara State. Again, I share in your pains, and I urge you to exercise the highest level of restraints as we surmount this challenge together,” he said.
Also, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, HRH Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR who also called for peace said, “Dear Kwarans, I have said it on several occasions that Ilorin Emirate is known for Peace, Kwara State is known for harmony. Let’s resist all forms of temptations. Governments at all levels are working assiduously towards ensuring that the hardship is curtailed. I am deeply touched and worried about the current situation, it calls for calm and perseverance. Please let’s remain peaceful and together we shall overcome this Hard Time.”
