Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State on Monday, said the state was not part of agitation for a sovereign ‘Yoruba State’ by any individual or groups
Akeredolu said this while swearing in Princess Oladunni Odu as the new Secretary to the State Government and other Special Advisers in Akure.
The governor said the state would not subscribe to banditry and recklessness in putting forth its demands.
He said Ondo state people had elected to stay in the Federal Republic of Nigeria as constituted at present.
He said no part of the entire state would permit any gathering or agitation which may suggest that the people were in support of what he termed ‘unthinking rabble rousing.’
“We will not be led to assured annihilation by anyone or a group of people, still smarting from the electoral defeats of recent times and presumed exclusion from the process of decision-making.
“Our people are knowledgeable enough to determine their interest at any point. If and when they consider self-determination as an option, they will not depend on external promptings to act. That is why we are different. That is why we are who we are,”he said.
Akeredolu said the right of citizens to discuss, agitate and even fight to right perceived wrongs, culminating in self-determination must be done within known and acceptable parameters and all concerned must agree to pursue the same objectives to achieve a desirable or desired end.
He vowed to continue to eject and punish all trespassers occupying forests reserves with a view to rid the state of undesirable elements.
He stated that anyone who intended to engage in a private business of animal husbandry in the state must be ready to abide with the modern methods or quit.
He explained that his administration opted to participate in the Federal Government National Livestock Transformation Programme because it aimed at encouraging any private businessman who took interest in breeding cattle to participate in the modern methods for profit.
The governor who condemned attack on the convoy of the Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom, urged security agencies to unmask the agents of darkness bent on throwing the country into a state of anarchy.
He said the choice of Odu as SSG symbolised the limitless possibilities of attainment for a well-trained female. child.
