by Deji Abiodun
The 19 remaining All Progressives Congress (APC) State Assemblymen refused to attend a peace assembly yesterday organized by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State. The meeting was set to be held at a leading private university in Ekiti State.
A statement signed by lawmaker Wale Olujobi asserted that many of APC Assemblymen believed that the government would arrest them if they attended the meeting due to ongoing political tensions related to impeachment efforts against Governor Fayose.
Governor Fayose was exposed by SaharaReporters for unlawfully manipulating his gubernatorial election in 2014, as well as suppressing Ekiti opposition voters in the presidential and local elections in 2015.
Chief Afe Babalola, Chairman of the Elders Committee, who is leading mediation efforts between Governor Fayose and the 19 APC lawmakers, expressed disappointment regarding their absence.
Chief Babalola told reporters that he decided to liaise and mediate the ongoing strife between PDP State leaders and APC lawmakers because of his historic involvement in the Ekiti State affairs, and after being prompted by the Nigeria Labor Congress and Chief Kunle Olajide.
In the statement through his media adviser, APC State Assembly Speaker Adewale Omirin’s explained that the lawmakers were greatly appreciative of the peace movement initiated, but cited that it exposes Governor Fayose’s poor leadership in addressing the crisis.
Chief Babalola, who spoke at the meeting, also revealed an array of text messages sent between himself and State Assembly Speaker Omirin. The texts explain that APC members believed they would be wrongfully detained by Governor Fayose and PDP State leaders.
Babalola said their safety was ensured because as many as 200 security operatives were placed at the venue.
Chief Babalola has said that despite this setback, he will continue on the path of peace, unity, and development of the State.
