By our Reporter
The Ondo State Executive Council on Wednesday declared a clampdown on cultists and cult activities in the state with immediate effect saying ban on Okada remains valid.
The State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Donald Ojogo, who disclosed this during a media briefing shortly after the State Executive Council on Wednesday, warned parents and guardians to rein in their children and wards.
“Council noted the activities of cultists and cult groups. As you know, Ondo state is not insulated from the menance of cultism. There will be a clampdown on cult activities and cult groups in the state. Parents are to rein in their wards.
The Government spokesperson also disclosed that the council reiterated the 6pm ban on commercial motorcyclists operations in the state.
“First, government looked at the issue of Security. Security of lives and properties is very vital. Council noted the activities of commercial motorcyclists and reiterated that the ban placed on OKADA riders from operating beyond 6pm everyday yet subsists.
“It does appear that there is a flagrant disregard to the ban. Government has come to the conclusion that this ban must
be re-echoed to the people of the state
and forcibly enforced.
“Enforcement will be carried out and nothing will be spared. We are not placing general blame on the okada riders, but preponderant report of security infractions is linked to the use of OKADA.
“Government is not saying OKADA riders are criminals. But criminals are hiding under the cyclists’ operation to perpetrate crime. Security agencies have been alerted and mandated to carry out enforcement.” Ojogo said.
Speaking on the council’s deliberation on the recent outburst by the opposition People’s Democratic Party, the information commissioner said the council expressed disappointment in the allegations of the PDP.
While describing the allegation as a market-place propaganda, Ojogo said the opposition party should avail itself with the workings of government, particularly as it relates to the disbursement of allocation from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
He said:”Council noted with dismay the needless outburst of the opposition party. Council noted and specifically, expressed disappointment about it. We Appeal to the people and workers in the state to disregard it.
“The Council frowns at this mindless opposition. It amounts to a height of insensitivity for an opposition party to make such spurious statement. They didn’t know the difference between how government operates and how a market place operates. Not one iota of mischief will go unanswered as far as this government is concerned. We therefore enjoin the PDP to be critical and circumspect in their making of statements henceforth.”