Ekiti: I, my aides are being harassed by security agents, Fayose cries out

The outgoing governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has cried out to the traditional ruler of Ado Ekiti, the Ewi of Ado, complaining that the government house had been “locked down” by security officials shortly before the polls on Saturday and after the election.

The governor, who made his first public appearance in Ado Ekiti, since suffering a humiliating defeat from the All Progressives Congress’ candidate, Kayode Fayemi, in Saturday’s governorship election, said he and his family had been harassed by security agencies, even as his security had since been withdrawn.

As usual, residents gathered around him and hailed him as he approached the palace of the Ewi of Ado, where he had gone to lodge his complaints.

“l have come to let you know that before the July 14 election, the government house was invaded by the police and men of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the poll was rigged,” Mr Fayose lamented, while addressing the Ewi of Ado.

“Over 300 of our members and top government functionaries have been arrested and clamped into detention since then. My wife was also subjected to a 45 minutes harrowing experience while entering the government house shortly before the poll.

“Since the day of the poll, the government office has been shut and my security agents have been withdrawn.

“The July 14 poll has come and gone, and the constitution says up until October 16, I am still the governor. Since they have left this morning, I felt I should inform you, Ekiti people , Nigerians and international community that l am still being locked at the government office.

“I urge you to help tell the federal government and security agents and others that I should be left alone, l and my family have a right to life.

“The man who contested against us is being protected, but my policemen have been withdrawn. I represent Ekiti and was given a mandate of the people. Harassing me is not the best.

“My aides are being harassed, searched, their vehicles up to spare tyres and they are being searched even to their pants. I wonder why we should be in this kind of situation ahead of 2019. I want you to intervene please Kabiyesi.”

In his response, the traditional ruler expressed gratitude to God for sparing the governor’s life through the period of the election.

“Before the poll and as if we knew this was going to happen, the council of Obas met with INEC officials security operatives, party candidates and others and pleaded with all parties that before, during and after the poll, we want peace in Ekiti State, because we are homogenous, Ekiti will remain one forever and whoever wins we will accept,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that this kind of thing is happening, the way I see you today in complete black, which is against our custom in the palace. I knew something is happening. I will convey your message to the chairman traditional council of Obas in Ekiti. We had discussed you this morning and wondered where you are.

“We use this opportunity too to appeal to the security operatives to, in the name of God, restore your security to you. Whatever it is, we are in Ekiti and they should allow us to intervene in this matter, all the three of you in the race, yourself, Professor Olusola Eleka, and Dr. Kayode Fayemi are our sons.

“You are all our eminent sons that cannot be wished away. We urge all parties to allow peace to reign. We will also get in touch with Dr. Fayemi to use his good office to intervene.”