Doctor of war studies and Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi, has described his convoy’s encounter with policemen on Sunday as an attempt to assassinate him.
The governor, while speaking to journalists in Ado- Ekiti on Monday, said the attack by men of the Mobile Police led by Gabriel Selekere which led to the death of Taiwo Akinola was an assault on the government and people of Ekiti State.
Fayemi, who disclosed that he was going to Abuja to take up the issue with President Goodluck Jonathan and the Inspector General of Police on the appropriate steps to be taken on the assault, expressed worry at what a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, describes as “the irresponsibility of the police in handling the security of citizens.”
“I am still trying to understand what happened. My immediate interpretation is that there was an assault on the government and people of Ekiti State. If one were to be extreme in one’s interpretation, it could even go as far as saying it was an assassination attempt against the governor of the State.
“That’s why I am going to Abuja to see Mr President and the IG right away. So I wouldn’t want to jump to any conclusion. I have spoken to the relevant people in authority and I believe appropriate steps will be taken.
“The peace that this State has enjoyed in the last three and a half years must be sustained, and I will like to think that all in authority right from Mr President to the chiefs of the security agencies will not want the peace and tranquillity of Ekiti to be in any way disturbed by irresponsible behaviour on the path of law enforcement agents,” he said.
While further reflecting on the attack, the civil-military relations specialist said it was a ploy to intimidate Ekiti people so that they won’t come out and vote on election day, adding that no amount of intimidation can cow people of the state out of exercising their civic right.
On the harassment of journalists by security agents at the scene of the incident, Fayemi said it was undemocratic and sad for any security agent to prevent the media from reporting events which have to do with the safety of lives and property of citizens.
