By Rasheedah Makinde
As part of efforts to reduce challenges posed by the scarcity of fuel and new naira notes, the police in Oyo State have met with some stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the menace.
The security summit held at police headquarters, Eleyele comprises representatives of all security agencies, CBN officers, IPMAN and other security personnel.
Oyo state Commissioner for Police, Mr Adebowale Williams said the security summit became imperative as part of measures to reduce the crises caused by the non-availability of cash and fuel before they escalated to a bigger problem.
Mr Adebowale who said the duty of the Police was to enforce laws, peace, and arrest perpetrators of crime and prosecute them, noted that, the recent events in the country call for an extension of the cooperation and understanding being enjoyed in Oyo State to help improve upon the duties of protection of lives and property and as well as preserve law and order.
” Today, as a family we collectively have pressing issues at hand which undoubtedly needs our highest level of attention for consideration and action in order not to engulf our socio-economic existence of the Pacesetter State, top of which has been induced by the Scarcity Of Fuel & Paucity Of Cash For Dispense, hence the need for this strategically planned pally”.
“It is worthy to consider that while the Police and other Security agencies have the mandate to maintain law and order, “the public” her right to peaceful assembly, bankers and other law-abiding residents of the State reserve their rights to the dignity of their labour”.
“No one is allowed under the ambits of the law to deny another of his/her rights and conscious efforts must be made to prevent the societal disposition from becoming a “State of War for all and against all”.
He added that though people have the right to protest peacefully, there are times when people crossed certain lines, especially when given into agents of violence and anarchy to hijack the process for obvious reasons of criminally profiting from the situation and unknowingly handing these unscrupulous elements undeserving relevance.
” while appealing that we all exercise mutual respect and understanding for ourselves at these troubled times, it is important to re-iterate that attacks on Policemen and other law enforcement shall not be tolerated, especially when law enforcement has intelligence that the process is a “deliberate scripted strategy” by agents of mischief to provide misleading narratives on the social media space in order to unnecessarily heat-up the polity”
” In conclusion, let us all have a clear understanding that we are all Stakeholders in Oyo State. We must say no to agents of disintegration in our midst and continue maintaining our renowned reputation as a State with a relatively peaceful ambience. Remember we are always stronger together and whenever the need arises, don’t be a Stranger as “the Police remain your friend.”
On her part, the State Zonal Coordinator of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mrs Foluke Oluduro said it was sad that people were facing a lot before they could have access to their money.
She noted that the CBN was doing all it could to reduce the hardship citizens are battling with every day.
Mrs Oluduro who urged people to remain calm said the Apex Bank has re-strategised its plans to ensure more money is released to the public.
The Chief of Staff of Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria, IPMAN, Ibadan depot, Mr Bayo Adeyemo said they have to rely on Lagos State depot before they could get petrol which has not been easy for them.
He said all the heads of IPMAN in Oyo state were in Lagos struggling to ensure the availability of premium motor spirit, PMS for members of the public
On his part, the Oyo State Chairman of point of sales, POS, and operators, Mr Adeyemo Sherif said they use money commission to buy cash from bankers and this was why they charge their customers before they could give out money.
The POS operators, therefore, called on the banking industry to ease their pain by reducing the commissions they collect from them before they could dispense money.
The event was graced by representatives of other security agencies, the National Orientation Agency, Baba and Iya Loja, the Association of Okada riders, Artisans and the Police Community Relations Committee PCRC.
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