Heavy security over Fayose planned meeting in Ekiti

There was tension in Ilawe-Ekiti on Tuesday following the announcement that former state Governor Ayo Fayose was scheduled to hold a meeting with some members of the Peoples Democratic Party in the town at 2pm.

Tight security was mounted by policemen and officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

About 12 police vans, loaded with armed policemen were seen at the main entry point to the town. Some policemen were strategically positioned on one side of the road while some youths  took control at the other side.

Sources  close to Fayose told journalists, who were present in the town, that the former governor was still considering whether to attend the meeting or not as at 4pm.

The source said Fayose  had sought the protection of the operatives of State Security Service when he learnt that some youths had laid ambush for him along the road leading to the town.

However, an aide to the former governor told the journalists, “Oga has gone back to Afao (his home town) because of the threats to his life.”

Around 4.30pm, some miscreants made bonfires on the road.

The Director-General of Ayo Fayose Campaign Organisation, Mr. Gboyega Oguntuase, told our correspondent on the telephone that Fayose was in Ilawe for the meeting.

He, however, did not say who the former governor met with or where he held the meeting.

Oguntuase restated the accusation he leveled against  the ruling Action Congress of Nigeria.

He said the party was  behind the threats to the lives of Fayose and other PDP members.

He said the Federal Government might be forced to declare emergency rule in the state if the crisis degenerated into complete breakdown of law and order.

ACN’s spokesperson in the state, Chief Tai Oguntayo, denied AFCO’s allegation. He said,  “Fayose is just afraid of his shadow.”

Oguntayo said ACN was a party known for its respect for rule of law and that members of the party were not miscreants and did not believe in violence.