By Ayodele Oni
As a follow-up to their letter on alleged assault of a pregnant public servant by an aide of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, workers in the State, on Monday, embarked on a peaceful protest to the State secretariat.
The workers, led by Executive members of the State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC),were, however, prevented from converging on the Governor’s office by the intervention of the Deputy Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The Deputy Governor, who stood in for Governor Akeredolu, appealed to the workers to shelve their planned march against an alleged assault of a pregnant woman.
He assured them that the allegation against the Senior Special Assistant on Strategy and Special Duties, Dr. Doyin Odebowale, that he assaulted a pregnant worker with the State Waste Management Agency, was being investigated.
The protesting workers, had to retreat as the Deputy Governor, joined them as they approached the Governor’s office.
Mr Aiyedatiwa pleaded with them to allow peace, saying any protest in view of the precarious security situation, might be dangerous.
“Your protest march is very valid and not even the Governor is against lawful protests. But we must all be mindful of the present situation which is the precarious security.
“This administration is one even though there are several persons with assigned responsibilities.
“In the course of our individual duties, however, there are also areas we consider difficult terrains where law enforcers like the official in question, contend daily with agents that are against change.
“We are not holding brief for anyone because the matter is already being looked into, but we can assure you that the State Government has made it abundantly clear that all officials of the Government are civil in the enforcement of our laws. None deserves to be dehumanised.
“While we appreciate your lawful steps and share in your pain as a result of the perceived or alleged assault, you should also be mindful of those loitering around the corner to hijack your genuine protest.”
The NLC chairman, Sunday Adeleye, insisted that Odebowale must be punished as he is not above the law; he must be called to order.
The Governor’s aide has denied ever assaulting the pregnant woman.
“It is the figment of the imagination of those who scripted it. But they misfired. How on earth could I have committed such an abominable act? It is not true at all.
“I know there are several persons whose unscrupulous and corrupt activities are being put under check.”
