9th February, 2023
By Adejoke Adeleye, Abeokuta
Gov. Dapo Abiodun on Wednesday visited the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, where the man who was hit by a stray bullet during the cash scarcity protest held by angry youths in Abeokuta on Tuesday, is being treated.
Speaking to newsmen after checking up on the victim, the governor noted that violence was not the best way to address the issue of scarcity of cash and fuel in the country.
Abiodun explained that all hands were on deck to ensure that the situation was brought under control in the state.
“Frustration set in by the endless fuel queues and the inadequate supply of cash following the naira redesign policy and the naira swap.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reserve the right to redesign the naira notes, it is within their purview to redesign currency, no one is questioning that. But the fact is that the ordinary citizens, people in the informal sector are feeling the stress.
“The frustration had totally heightened, and the people took to the streets.
” This young Man was hit by a stray bullet; I was totally heart broken. We thought the worst had happened but, I quickly called on my entire health team led by commissioner for health to ensure that the boy received adequate health attention,” he said.
“The management of FMC has proven that we have a local capacity. I want to appreciate them.
“I have seen the boy; he is stable, and he is speaking. His name is Gabriel Micheal – two angels in one person, which means he is safe,” he said.
The governor pleaded with the youths and students to exercise patience, saying that breaking of banks, destroying ATM machines would not solve any problem.
” I want to plead with everyone, your governor is doing everything humanly possible at this time. We have spoken with the President, CBN representatives, bankers’ forum and we can see the situation is evolving positively,” he said.
He implored the youths and students to ensure they did not allow the current situation to degenerated into any more violence .
Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director, FMC Abeokuta, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, said the victim was taking to theatre immediately and necessary surgery was done on him.
” He is stable,” he said.
Mrs Taiwo Micheal, wife of the victim, appreciated God that her husband was still alive.
She commended the management of Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta for their promptness in responding to emergencies.