The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State said residents have the right to mass demonstrations against fuel scarcity and the shortage of naira notes occasioned by the new Central Bank of Nigeria policy on cash.

Ade Adetimehin, the chairman of the party, who stated this on Wednesday, regretted that the country was experiencing the unusual hike in cost of the pump price and the shortage of cash – a few weeks away from the general elections.

“As a party, we identify with our people at this unpleasant period. We agree they are exercising their rights, but urge them to do so with a measure of restraint,” Mr Adetimehin said in a statement issued on his behalf by the party’s spokesman Alex Kalejaiye in Akure. 

The statement came as Nigerians continue to face excruciating pains and hardship over the scarcity of fuel and shortage of the newly redesigned notes nationwide.

The situation is not different in Ondo as many aggrieved residents especially the youths have continued to protest over the scarcity of the product. 

On Tuesday, some protestors shut down the busy Ore/Benin expressway expressing their displeasure over the current hardship. 

Speaking further, Mr Adetimehin said the party has decided to suspend all its political rallies across the major structures of the state. 

He noted that the decision was to solidarise with the residents of the state, who are already boiling, over the current financial and fuel crisis in the country.

“The party has therefore directed party chairmen, and Directors-General at all levels, within the chapter, to suspend rallies, in sympathy with our people”, Mr Adetimehin added. 

While acknowledging the tireless efforts of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu-led administration to ameliorate the harsh situation, Mr Adetimehin called on chieftains and members of the party to show more understanding, and identify with those in their various localities, to ease tension.

“Our strong believe is that this time shall fade soon,” he added