Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has issued a warning to vandals of public infrastructure and utilities in the state, declaring that anyone found guilty will be prosecuted and imprisoned.
He also stated that he would introduce legislation in the House of Assembly to impose penalties on anyone caught vandalizing public utilities.
Abiodun issued the warning on Sunday while speaking at this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.
He noted that the warning became necessary as a result of vandals stealing the poles and cables of the newly installed street lights on the Abeokuta-Siun-Sagamu road.
The governor also ordered parents to warn their children against destroying public property, emphasizing that he will not listen to any pleas from parents whose children were found wanting.
“Last night, we were coming from Ijebu-Ode and noticed that some parts of the lights were not on and on enquiry, we were told that some poles were vandalised and the cables stolen.
“I will be sending a Bill to the House of Assembly for a punitive measure for anyone caught vandalising public utilities.
“Let parents warn their children and wards. I won’t entertain any call from parents whenever anyone is caught in the act of cultism, vandalism, banditry or any other criminal activities.”
“We will fish them out and the full weight of the law would be brought upon them. We will make an example of them”, he added.
On Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Abiodun stated that the day was chosen specifically to honor the service men and women whose job it is to protect the people even if it means paying the ultimate price, describing it as the ultimate act of patriotism.
While criticizing those who continue to sow discord in the country, he stated that the best way to support members of the Armed Forces is to pay their entitlements and care for their widows and orphans.
He stated that his administration would continue to encourage peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians, and that the state’s security apparatus had been revamped with modern gadgets, noting that farmers/herdsmen clashes had been reduced.
Very Reverend (Dr.) Issac Adeniji, Provost, Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, lamented in his sermon titled ‘Heroes of Faith, Our Strength,’ that the world had witnessed many senseless wars that resulted in the loss of millions of lives, including women, widows, and children, especially orphans.
The Clergyman, who drew his text from Hebrews 11: 32, compared Nigeria’s uniformed men and women to the people of old who were risk takers, saying it was important for Nigerians to continue to pray for those who died in the course of keeping the country at peace.
As a result, he urged the authorities to pay ex-servicemen and women their entitlements as soon as possible, rather than waiting until they died, and to prioritize the welfare of the fallen heroes’ widows and orphans.
