Abiodun visits victim shot during protest over Naira scarcity, calls for calm

By Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday, paid a visit to Gabriel Michael, who was hit by a stray bullet during the protest over the scarcity of Naira notes, which rocked Abeokuta, the state capital, on Tuesday.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after ascertaining the recovery of the victim who is receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi Aba, Abeokuta, Abiodun urged the residents of the state not to resort to violence as a result of the cash crunch, noting that breaking, looting banks and smashing ATM terminals will not solve the problem.

The governor, who also pleaded with the people of the state to remain calm as the government was doing its best to rescue the situation in the state, said embarking on civil unrest would worsen the already tensed situation.

He noted that the supply of the new currency seems to be the major problem, urging the people to be patient and refrain from attacking bank staff, who he said are also human beings and in need of cash.

“I want to plead with everyone in Ogun State, your governor is doing everything humanly possible at this time. We’ve spoken to Mr. President and the Governor of Central Bank. I have been to the Central Bank. I have met with the bankers and you can see the situation is evolving positively. I have met with our Royal fathers and Baales, please, bear with us.

“We cannot result to violence. Looting banks and breaking ATMs will not solve the problem. You will only create fear in the minds of the bank staff and they won’t open the banks. So, if there is supply of cash in the banks and they are not open, we will still be just as frustrated. Please do not take it out on the bankers.

“The money is not there; the supply is the problem. Think about it, three to four weeks ago, you didn’t have to break any bank; you didn’t have to stand in queue at any ATM because there was supply. So, obviously, it is the speed with which CBN is replacing the new notes with old notes, that is the problem and I am sure that as you can see, all hands are on deck to ensure that this is dealt with and resolved,” Abiodun said.

While acknowledging the staff of the Federal Medical Center for responding quickly when the victim was rushed to the hospital, the governor noted that such situations could have been averted if the people were patient with the government.

He, however, called on the Federal Government to continue to invest in human resources and match the investment with the much needed equipment.

The Medical Director of the hospital, Adewale Musa – Olomu while speaking, said the hospital did everything possible to ensure the victim was saved.

Also, the victim’s wife, Taiwo Michael, thanked the governor and the management for their timely response in saving her husband.