The Nigerian Institute of Surveyors (NIS), in Ondo state on Thursday lambasted Governor Aiyedatiwa’s Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Bola Taiwo over recent comments he made after nine of its members were kidnapped last week.
The institute however gave Taiwo 48-hour ultimatum to retract his statement on the nine members kidnapped at Ilu-Abo in Akure North local government area of the state.
The professional body also called on Governor Aiyedatiwa to immediately review the appointment of Bola Taiwo for his unguarded and insensitive statement on the recent kidnapping in the state.
The Special Adviser was quoted to have blamed the kidnapping of the nine workers of the survey firm on inability of the surveyors to provide for themselves adequate security after collecting huge amount of money from their client.
Addressing a Press Conference at the institution’s Secretariat in Akure, the Ondo State Chairman of the NIS, Surveyor Kayode Bello, alongside his Executives and some members, described the comment as unfortunate and condemnable.
“The statement of the Special Adviser to the state governor, has a great implications on the members of the NIS in Ondo state in particular. Our member cannot go to field again to do their daily work because of the statement made by the Special Adviser, he has exposed all the surveyors to danger and our lives is no longer safe.
“People now look at us as someone who have money and can be easily kidnapped brcause they believe we can afford to pay ransom convinently. So. we are calling on the governor to reconsider the position of Bola Taiwo as Special Adviser.
“The governor need to put him to order, we believe in the ability of the governor and he has a listening ears. We want the governor to reconsider Bola Taiwo’s appointment and appoint competent person that the public will be accepted to the people of the state and will represent the governor.
“Government should give priority to security of lives and property, we as citizens of the state are paying tax voluntarily without any harrassment before paying. As a professional body, we pay in bulk annually as at when duedue and we expect the government to provide necessary security for us as citizens of the state.”
“Thank God that with the efforts of the community leaders and the principal officer of the affected workers, they have now regained their freedom.
“We are using this medium to express our disappointment and dissatisfaction on the reoccurring of insecurity situation in Ondo state, and response of one of the political office holders to Mr. Governor, The special adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties (Mr. Bola Taiwo), blaming the kidnapping of the nine workers of the survey firm on the inability of the surveyors to provide for themselves adequate security after collecting huge amount of money from their client.
“Blaming the kidnapped workers for going for field work without security operatives. There is no gainsaying that Surveyors and other allied professionals in the civil service of Ondo State don’t embark on field work with security operatives.
“Therefore, it is inappropriate to single out surveying as a profession that must work under security escort. One of the major duties of the Government is to provide security for its citizens, hence Government must prioritize making Ondo State safer for all its citizens, rather than shifting blame on victims.
“Accusing surveyors of collecting huge amount of money from clients without investing in security. This claim is baseless and unquantifiable. Surveying, like any other profession, operates within regulated fees, and it is unrealistic to expect professionals to include personal security expenses in their charges.
“The government should focus on improving security rather than making insensitive remarks.
“Stating that Government action depends on a formal police report. The Government should be more proactive and not wait for bureaucratic process before taking action on serious security matters. Swift intervention is needed to ensure the safe return of any kidnapped citizens.
“Requiring surveyors to hire police escorts for fieldwork is impractical and unreasonable. Security should be a fundamental right of all citizens, not a privilege.
“Meanwhile, The NIS Ondo State Branch is committed to the safety and well-being of its members. We maintain regular communication with our members and we are actively engaged in ensuring our security during fieldwork and other professional activities.
“CALL TO ACTION: The NIS Ondo State Branch calls on Mr. Bola Taiwo to retract his unguided statement within the next 48 hours.
“Refrain from making statements that could escalate tensions or endanger the life of professionals in the state.
“Surveyors play a crucial role in the state development, by paying taxes and every other level imposed on them by the Government and therefore should be protected.
“We urge the Government to collaborate with security agencies to ensure that all professionals, including surveyors, can work without fear of being harmed,” Surv. Kayode Bello.
