A group, Ondo Masses Solidarity Movement (MSM), has accused the embattled deputy governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of being behind the aborted protest of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.

According to the group, the protest was aimed to incite crisis in the state and derail the impeachment process of the deputy governor.

In a statement signed by its coordinator, Ogunyemi Jeremiah said Aiyedatiwa had been reaching out to opposition parties and youths to occupy the street of Akure and protest against the governor.

He said: “We have it on good authority that the deputy governor instigated the protest and had already sponsored some youths to join the protest. A meeting was held at a hotel in Alagabaka, Akure  last night where money was shared among the youths.

“As stakeholders in this state and voice of the masses, we condemn in strong terms, the activities of the embattled deputy governor. We are astonished by the actions of the deputy governor and his resolve to set the state on fire.

“We appreciate the security agencies for rising up to the occasion. We are aware that the protest would have led to wanton destruction of properties and people’s lives.

“Part of the plans which was foiled by the security agencies was that the protesters would set a petrol- filled tanker on fire within the state capital. They had also planned to raze down the House of Assembly complex.

“The planned protest was never in the interest of the masses. The masses are receiving their palliative and also enjoying their thriving sales due to the regular payment of salaries and leave bonus in the state.

“We are calling on well meaning Nigerians and people of the state to warn the deputy governor to desist from these attempts to set our dear state on fire. We should learn from history and guide against any act that will bring our state to jeopardy.

“Where were these people when the masses needed a voice? Where were they when we were faced with insecurity and became helpless even in our own homes. Where were they when Governor Rotimi Akeredolu was facing the federal government and speaking for the people of Southwest and Southern Nigeria.

“We are convinced that this induced protest is not in the interest of the masses. We will not fold our arms and allow a group of people who were motivated by few cash to interrupt the relative peace in the state.”