In a bid to frontally tackle the evil of cultism in Ondo State, the state government, on Thursday, declared a clampdown on cultists and cult activities in the state.
The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Donald Ojogo, who made this declaration during a press conference in Akure, the state capital, called on parents and guardians to rein in their children and wards.
Ojogo said the steps taken by the government became necessary as cultist activities were becoming worrisome and required the immediate attention and action of the government.
The state government also reiterated its stand on the 6 pm ban on commercial motorcyclists operations in the state, saying the order is still in place and enforcement will be carried out.
Ojogo said: “Council noted the activities of cultists and cult groups. As you know, Ondo state is not insulated from the menace of cultism. There will be a clampdown on cult activities and cult groups in the state. Parents are to rein in their wards.
“First, the 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 6 pm every day yet subsists.
“It does appear that there is a flagrant disregard to the ban. The 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 the 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.”
Speaking on the council’s deliberation on the recent outburst by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, the Information Commissioner said the council expressed disappointment in the allegations of the PDP.
While describing the allegation as marketplace 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 Federation 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 a spurious statement.
“They didn’t know the difference between how government operates and how a marketplace 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.”
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CLAIM 1: A Twitter user claims UNICEF said any efforts to block children from accessing pornography might infringe their human rights.Ondo reads riot act to cultists, reiterates ban on Okada operation
Ondo reads riot act to cultists, reiterates ban on Okada operation
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