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Tag: Ekiti STATE

  • Ekiti 2018: INEC is ready to conduct credible election – REC

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner of Ekiti State Prof. Abdul Ganiy Olayinka Raji has said that all the sensitive materials for the Saturday election has been delivered to all the 16 local government areas in the state.

    Raji disclosed this Thursday  while speaking with journalist in his office noting that the materials were collected at the Central Bank in the presence of all the political parties before they were dispatched to various destination accompanied by eight senior INEC officials.

    Read Also:Fayose ‘antics assault on Ekiti integrity’

    According to him, the materials were monitored directly in his office through official vehicle tracker connected to a giant television screen which indicates the movement of the materials until all got to the respective 16 local government headquarters of the state.

    The commissioner disclosed that Ekiti state has 913,334 voters out of which 646, 000 collected their PV cards while about 250,000 are yet to collect their cards.

    He explained that all the process used by the commission was transparent with the involvement of representatives of all the parties participating in the election.

    “We have 35 political parties participating in this coming, gubernatorial election, though 40 political parties initially notified us of their participation, but at the last minutes only 35 parties are participating.

    He explained that the commission did not face any challenges because the fear of how the sensitive materials will get to the final destination was addressed through improved technology that gave the commission to monitor, track and even listen to all the communication going on in all the vehicles deplored.

    He explained that Ekiti is calm and all hands are on deck to conduct credible, fair and free election in the state.

  • Ekiti Election: Makarfi urges security agencies to be neutral

    Former Governor of Kaduna State and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential aspirant, Senator Ahmed Makarfi has cautioned the nation’s security agencies on the need to provide a level playing ground for all parties in the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti State.

    He said the security agencies, particularly the police, should operate above the fray to inspire the confidence of all in their neutrality and condemned the way and manner the police assaulted governor Ayodele Fayose and members of the PDP during a rally in Ado Ekiti few days ago.

    Read Also:Kaduna PDP endorse Makarfi for 2019 presidency

    In a statement signed by his media aide, Murktar Sirajo, Senator Makarfi said he was appalled by the news coming from Ekiti regarding the response of security agencies to the PDP rally.

    The statement reads: “Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi is appalled by the news coming out of Ekiti State, which reports that not only were members of the PDP denied their constitutionally guaranteed rights of assembly, but that also, in the process, the state Governor and his Deputy, who happens to be the party’s candidate in the forthcoming election were physically assaulted and injured by the police.

    “Senator Makarfi is pained by this brazen infringement on the individual and collective rights of the people as enshrined in our constitution and considers it an assault not only on Governor Ayo Fayose and the PDP, but also a knife through the heart of the nation’s democracy, by an agency of state that is funded to protect those rights amongst other functions.

    “As we approach 2019 elections, these signals are ominous as they portend a tendency towards desperation and the proclivity to deploy instruments of state towards the attainment of a predetermined agenda.

    “Situations such as this bring into sharper focus, Senator Makarfi’s arguments and appeals, with respect to restructuring the country, that we also consider restructuring our institutions in such a way that they are insulated from political control to enable them serve the state as opposed to serving political leaders of the time, which is what obtains at the moment.

    “The Senator appeals to the police and other security agencies to operate above the fray to inspire the confidence of all in their neutrality. He also appeals to the government of the day to rise to the occasion by providing  a level playing field in the Ekiti and subsequent elections to ensure the development of democracy and rule of law, as not only Nigerians, but also the entire world  is watching with interest, how situations unfold as the days go by.”

  • Ekiti 2018: Fayose’s theatrics assault on Ekiti integrity, says youth group

    An Ekiti based youth socio cultural group, Apapo Odo Ekiti has berated Governor Ayo Fayose for allegedly deceiving Nigerians on a purported attack by the Police.

    The group slammed Fayose for what it called “his repeated uncivilized and unbecoming conduct as the number one citizen of Ekiti State which is a denigration of the exalted office of a Governor.”

    In a statement on Thursday by its president, Adeyanju Fagbemi, said Fayose’s showing on Wednesday assaulted the collective sensibilities of Ekiti people both at home and abroad.

    Fagbemi said: “We are ashamed and ridiculed by the “show of shame” exhibited by Governor Ayo Fayose in transforming Ekiti State Government House into a Nollywood film shooting location.

    “We are embarrassed by his theatrics of putting up a neck collar as a consequence of the alleged shooting of tear gas by the Nigeria Police to disperse a gathering of people which posed security risk at the entrance of the Ekiti State Government House.

    Read Also: Ekiti poll: Controversy as police disperse PDP’s rally

    “For our collective education and information, the Ekiti State Government House is the patrimony of the good people of Ekiti State irrespective of political, religious and ethnic affiliation.

    “Unfortunately Mr. Fayose has continued to assault the collective will of the people of Ekiti State by his deficit of respect, etiquette and decorum by transforming the state house into a political party campaign ground.

    “By assembling a crowd of partisan political supporters at the entrance of the Ekiti State Government House, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has intentionally undermined the security of the office of Governor and the people of Ekiti State which is an assault on his constitutional oath.

    “However, we must commend the Nigeria Police Force led by DIG Ekiti State for living up to its constitutional responsibility of maintenance of law and order by dispersing the provocative and unruly crowd instigated by Mr. Ayodele Fayose with minimal force in a civilized manner.

    “We are hereby using this medium to call on the good people of Ekiti State not to be hoodwinked to fail in exercising their constitutional right on election day or be incited to violence by this agent provocateur of a Governor.

    “We call on the good people of Ekiti State to be resolute in exercising their franchise on election day for the candidate of their choice based on integrity and merit without fear or favour.”

  • Ekiti 2018: Police deny invading govt house

    The Ekiti State Police Command has dismissed insinuations on the social media that its men invaded the Government House on Wednesday.

    Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Caleb Ikechukwu, urged members of the public to consider the content of the postings as “misleading and aimed at causing anxiety in the minds of the public.”

    Ikechukwu signed the statement on behalf of the Deputy Inspector General of Police (Election Duty Coordinator), Mr. Habila Joshak.

    Ikechukwu said: “In furtherance to the presence of police officers around the Prof. Olusola Eleka Pavilion at Fajuyi on Wednesday, two political parties intend to have their rallies at the same date and in Ado-Ekiti metropolis.

    Read Also: Ekiti: PDP chair, Atiku deplore police attack on Fayose

    “But the Commissioner of Police advised the political parties in writing on the need to have their political activities at different time and because of its security implication.

    “The Police will, at all times, continue to maintain law and order and also rise up to their responsibility to perform their mandatory and statutory duty of protection of lives and property of innocent citizens before, during and after the election.

    “The Police would also want to use this medium to alert the general public that they should expect more of this misleading information from person(s) who do not mean well to te good people of Ekiti State.

    “The Police enjoin the general public to confirm the source of their information before circulating same to their friends or loved ones.”

  • Ekiti: Jonathan urges caution

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for caution over the activities of security agencies deployed to Ekiti ahead of Saturday’s scheduled Governorship election.

    The Ex-President’s appeal followed Wednesday’s media report of alleged manhandling of some people including the Governor of the State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose in Ado-Ekiti, allegedly by security operatives.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesman, Ikechukwu Eze, the former President enjoined security personnel deployed to the state to act within the ambit of the laws of the land.

    He pointed out that the presence of armed security operatives is meant to give voters the confidence to come out on Election Day and vote for candidates of their choice, and not to intimidate them.

    Read Also: Fayose condemns ‘blockade’ of Ekiti Govt House

    He said: “I am appealing to the security agencies deployed to Ekiti State for the Governorship election to carry out their duties according to the laws of the land by securing the state in a manner that will enable a peaceful electoral process.

    “If it is true that the State Governor Mr. Ayodele Fayose was assaulted as reported in the media, my appeal is that such should not be allowed to happen again, since the Governor’s constitutional immunity guarantees that he should be given official protection to freely conduct the business of governing the State.”

    The former President further charged the Security agencies to not only strive to protect the laws of the land, but also seek to prevent any development that could negatively impact on the process of deepening the nation’s democracy.

  • Ekiti: PDP chair, Atiku deplore police attack on Fayose

    The national chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar have deplored Wednesday’s police attack on the Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose.

    The duo also deplored the invasion of the Ekiti State Government House by police and other security personnel, where Fayose was allegedly tear gassed.

    At a media briefing in Abuja, Secondus accused President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of making a self-succession cruise to turn the country into a fascist state.

    He recalled a recent statement by the national chairman of the APC, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, saying that the ruling party was going to crush the opposition.

    Secondus said the situation in Ekiti has reinforced the signpost of a manifest desire by the APC and its leaders to subdue the resilient spirit of Nigerians and set up a totalitarian regime in the country.

    The party said, “This morning, in its desperation to forcefully take over Ekiti State, the APC-led Federal Government deployed armed police personnel led by one Compol Mopol Echel Echel, who blocked the Ekiti State Government House, attacked and placed the democratically elected governor of Ekiti State, Governor Ayodele Fayose, under house arrest. At the moment, no one goes in or out of the government house.

    “The invading police squad sacked the official security at the Government House, fired sporadically into the premises during which Governor Fayose was beaten up by policemen and brought down by volleys of teargas while several others were injured.

    Read Also: Ekiti 2018: Ignore Fayose’s antics, he is a clown, says Adeyeye

    “This, we have been informed, is part of the ‘order from above’, in line with the earlier boast by the Buhari-led APC, to ‘cage’ Governor Fayose ahead of the July 14, 2018 Ekiti governorship election, so as to grant their agents a field day to rig the election.

    “In fact, we have been made aware that the invasion was a plot to assassinate Governor Fayose and blame it on accidental discharge by one of the policemen”

    The party chairman described the development as an assault on the governor and a siege to the government house, saying it constituted a recipe for violence.

    “It’s a complete attack on our democratic order and direct assault on the corporate existence of Ekiti and her people as a federating part of our nation.

    “We know that this is part of the desperate effort by the APC-led Federal Government to intimidate, subjugate, frighten and overawe the people and unleash a rigging mechanism for the election.

    “Information available to the PDP reveals that part of the rigging design includes the deploying of an APC state governor in each of the local government areas across the state to coordinate the plot.

    “We also know that the APC rally on Tuesday, which was boycotted by the people of Ekiti State, was a gimmick to import thugs from neighboring states.

    “Our supporters, who have been placed at red alert, have been monitoring all strange faces already milling around in various local government areas in the state.

    “Also our intelligence reveals that the 30,000 policemen as well as some compromised military personnel deployed to Ekiti state are being positioned to embark on mass arrest and harassment of Ekiti citizens with the view to frightening them and preventing them from participating in the election”, Secondus added.

    On his part, Atiku described the development in Ekiti as appealing. In a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, Atiku said

    It was an uncivil assault on democracy and fell short of democratic best practices.

    The former Vice President the administration that it came into being because the past administration of the PDP ensured free and fair elections at all levels in 2015.

    The statement said, “Having been a beneficiary of such propriety, it is incumbent on the Federal Government not to deprive others of the ladder it was provided by its predecessors.

    “Free, fair and credible elections are not a privilege. They are a right! The peaceful congregating of the good people of Ekiti State, be they members of the All Progressive Congress or the Peoples Democratic Party or of any other party, must be allowed by the Federal Government”.

    Atiku observed that it’s not in the place of any government to harass, intimidate, hound and humiliate political opponents in an election.

    He urged the Federal Government to provide a level playing ground and guarantee the security of the electorate and the principal political actors in the election.

    “The immunity that a president enjoys under the constitution is the same immunity being enjoyed by a state governor.

    “Thus, it is an aberration to democratic norms and practices in a federal system of government that one layer of government should muscle out another government on account of political differences.

    “The democracy and fundamental human rights that Nigerians enjoy today were earned at a very high price”.

    “Instructions must be immediately given to all law enforcement bodies on the ground in Ekiti State to act in the best interest of Nigeria”, Atiku added.

    He called on the federal government to stop anything that could jeopardise the nation’s democracy and urged those in charge of the security agencies to be aware that the whole world is watching.

    “It is too late in the day for anyone to think they can put that genie back into the bottle”, he said.

    Atiku admonished the Federal Government to do everything within its powers to douse the tension being generated over the governorship election in Ekiti State.

  • Teargassing: Fayose’s easing tension with comedy – Lawyer

    Human rights lawyer, Morakinyo Ogele, has said Governor Ayo Fayose was treating the people of Ekiti State to a “huge dose of comedy” over the alleged teargassing incident on Wednesday.

    Ogele said the entire script was developed, produced written and acted by Fayose to blackmail the Federal Government, the Nigeria Police and the Inspector General of Police.

    The National Coordinator of Ekiti Redemption Group who spoke in a telephone chat with our reporter on Wednesday described Fayose as a master in playacting and simulation to deceive members of the public.

    Read Also:Ekiti 2018: Ignore Fayose’s antics, he is a clown, says Adeyeye

    He said Fayose deliberately arranged the “comedy show” to be broadcast live on two prominent television stations wondering why the governor emerged from the hospital to address the crowd when the live broadcast was on.

    Ogele urged Ekiti people to expect more drama from the governor before and after election.

    He said: “What happened yesterday was a comedy produced by Fayose Theatre Group. I think there is tension in respect of the election to be held on 14th July.

    “He just produced this comedy to water down the tension in Ekiti State so that the people could laugh. At this moment, people have forgotten about the election in order to watch him on stage.

    “In 2006, he (Fayose) drove to the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, shot his vehicle and ran to the Press Centre in Lagos that he was being pursued by hired assassins.

    “We thank God that we did not pay a kobo to watch this drama, we expect him to produce more play before the forthcoming election.

    “We are expecting him on 14th of July to produce a play so that people will go to polling centres well entertained ahead of the time they will exercise their franchise.”

  • Ekiti 2018: Ignore Fayose’s antics, he is a clown, says Adeyeye

    A chieftain of the All Peoples Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, has advised the people of the state to ignore, what he described as the latest antics of the state Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose.

    Fayose had  claimed that he was attacked by some armed security agents at the state Government House on Wednesday.

    Speaking through the Director of Publicity, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye Movement (PAAM), Niyi Ojo, in a statement on Wednesday, Adeyeye, said Fayose has always been a “clownish dramatist.”

    Adeyeye said Fayose’s latest “stunt” was aimed at creating a diversion for the people of the state, while covering up his nefarious activities, which are aimed at rigging Saturday’s governorship election.

    The statement reads in part; “Fayose has always been a dramatist. He has always been acting drama. Ekiti people should ignore him and remain resolute in their determination to throw him out of office and out of Ekiti State completely, on July 14.”

    The former Minister of State for Works, congratulated the people of the state for their impressive turnout on Tuesday for the party’s mega rally and the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Read Also: EKITI 2018: Fayose teargassed, says I was slapped by policeman

    He also implored the youths of the state, especially students of higher institutions, not to involve themselves in the Governor’s schemes to rig Saturday’s election, adding that it could turn awry for them and knowing the governor, he would deny them, when they are arrested and incarcerated .

    ”I congratulate the people of the state for their massive turn out on Tuesday for the visit of President Muhammdu Buhari  to the state APC’s mega rally and other VIPs who came too. This was despite all the devilish plans of the tyrannical state governor to prevent and disrupt the rally.

    ”I admire their courage and determination to weed out the Pharaoh of Ekiti state through the polls on Saturday.

    ”There are reports that some of our youths are been misguided by the despot at the state House, to engage them in disrupting the democratic process.

    “These have dire consequences and the character in the government house has been known in the past to betray those who did his bidding in the past and get caught. Be wise, don’t be used for devilish plots, which are anti-democratic”. Adeyeye  warned.

     

     

  • Ekiti must grow beyond stomach infrastructure – Buhari

    Says Fayemi competent to be governor

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday urged the people of Ekiti State to cast their votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election.

    He said the people of the Fountain of Knowledge should not allow themselves to be insulted by the stomach infrastructure policy being promoted by Governor Ayo Fayose.

    The nation’s number one citizen said Ekiti should grow beyond stomach infrastructure vote APC to enjoy god governance, development, better standard of living and infrastructure development.

    He expressed regrets that many politicians have been capitalizing on the herdsmen crisis in some parts of the country accusing him of not doing anything because he is Fulani.

    Describing the allegation as a “cheap blackmail,” Buhari said protection of life and property of Nigerians is paramount to him noting that measures are being taken to put an end to the herdsmen’s onslaught.

    Buhari spoke on Tuesday at the grand finale governorship rally held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, where APC national leaders and governors canvassed for votes for the flag bearer, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

    The President described Fayemi as competent, capable and experienced enough to be elected governor again noting that the APC flag bearer served excellently well as Minister of Mines and Steel Development.

    He said Ekiti get its fair share of resources and projects from the Federal Government despite the political difference between the government at the centre and state government.

    Joining Buhari at the rally are Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; Governors Abdulazeez Yari (Zamfara), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Umaru Al Makura (Nasarawa) and Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki represented by his deputy, Philip Shaibu.

    Ministers who attended the rally include Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation), Babatunde Fashola (Power, Works and Housing), Chris Ngige (Labour and Employment), Ogbonnaya Onu (Science and Technology), Adebayo Shittu (Communications) and Abdulrahman Danbazzau (Interior).

    Thousands of residents defied Fayose’s order to stay at home and thronged the stadium to welcome the President who first paid courtesy visit to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe and other traditional ruler at the palace.

    Commercial activities were going on at the city’s main markets while many commercial drivers and motorcycle riders plied their trade on the major roads.

    Buhari, whose helicopter touched down at about 12.35 pm at Christ’s School sports field headed to the Ewi’s Palace where the monarchs were waiting to receive him.

    Read Also: Ekiti residents defy Fayose’s order to stay at home

    At the palace, Oba Adejugbe, advocated for creation of cottage industries in Ekiti to generate jobs for the unemployed. He urged Fayemi to do more for the people if he wins the poll and is sworn in again.

    At the stadium, Buhari said Ekiti people are dear to him which explained why many indigenes of the state got very important appointments in his administration including the most senior military officer in the land, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin.

    The President said he and his party have not only come to campaign for the votes of Ekiti people but to key in to the change agenda and vote APC.

    He disclosed that the APC-led Federal Government has carried out laudable projects including construction and rehabilitation of 13 federal roads including Ikole-Omuo Road, Efon Alaaye-Iwaraja Road, Ido-Ifaki Road, Ado-Ifaki Road, Ila-Ilale-Ekan-Otun Road and internal roads at Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).

    Buhari said his administration also awarded contract for a Federal Secretariat which is under construction in Ekiti to ensure that federal civil servants have office accommodation.

    He noted that a National Housing Project to provide accommodation for residents was extended to Ekiti State by his administration which has also generated jobs for local artisans.

    The President further explained that thousands of Ekiti residents benefited from the social investment programmes of his administration including Npower for youths, School Feeding for primary school pupils, Conditional Cash Transfer and several tranches of bailout funds.

    Urging Ekiti electorate to vote Fayemi, Buhari said: “Don’t allow yourself to be blackmailed by stomach infrastructure; your future is in your hand, you must grow beyond stomach infrastructure.

    “Ekiti should do the right thing by voting APC and commence the journey to reclaim your land and restore your values.

    “I recommend Fayemi to you, he served as Minister of Mines and Steel Development, he is experienced. Don’t waste your vote, vote Dr. Kayode Fayemi.”

    APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, urged Ekiti voters to elect Fayemi and reject PDP which he accused of inflicting hardship of non-payment of salaries on civil servants, teachers and local government workers.

    Oshiomhole accused Fayose of pocketing the over N20 billion bailout funds given to him by the Buhari administration to pay arrears of workers’ salaries and dancing “kurukere” when workers are suffering.

    He disclosed that he held a meeting with labour unions in Ekiti on Monday where he gave a commitment that Fayemi would pay all the outstanding arrears owed by Fayose to give relief to workers

    Oshiomhole said: “I have served as a guarantor that Fayemi will pay the arrears of workers’ salaries when elected and he will ensure that all Ekiti people get what is due to them.

    “Four years ago, I was a sitting governor of Edo State and I wanted to come and campaign for Fayemi in the 2014 election but the PDP made sure that I did not have the opportunity to come and campaign for the then incumbent Fayemi.

    “Mr. President, we thank you and we know that you will not do the same, we are not here for revenge. Fayose has been trying to divert attention, he abused INEC, Police and he is behaving like a typical armed robber.

    “Fayose has resorted to very primitive tactics, he gave unlawful order that all shops be closed and manipulated drivers not to bring out their vehicles to convey people here.

    “This boy (Fayose) is a poor student of thuggery; nothing, absolutely nothing can stop people that are determined. The President is proud that you defied his tactics and came here today.

    “You will vote freely and fairly and nothing will happen. Whoever Fayose demotes, Fayemi will promote him and whoever Fayose dismisses, Fayemi will reinstate.

    “All of you go to your polling units with your PVCs and by Saturday, Fayose will cry.”

    APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu urged Ekiti electorate to reject the PDP which he described as a “party of looters.”

    Tinubu described APC as a pain killer that will put an end to the pains being experienced by Ekiti people and Nigerians at large.

    He said Buhari built three refineries for Nigeria but the PDP government dismantled and sold them off leaving Nigerians to suffer.

    Tinubu said: “They (PDP) stole all the money, what do you have left in the treasury? PDP is a party of destruction, it is Poverty Development Party.

    Read Also: Photos: Ekiti APC governorship rally

    “When they stole your money, they stole your life, they stole your future. APC is here to rebuild what has been destroyed. We thank God for the party under the leadership of our Baba, President Buhari.

    “APC is the pain killer, my mama used to give me APC when I was young. When you vote APC, you are voting for future, you are voting for the sake of your children.

    “It is not for the sake of Kayode (Fayemi), he had an appointment in Abuja but he has come back to serve you. If you want Ekiti to look like Lagos, to witness development and have your children in schools, vote APC.

    “Don’t let anybody intimidate you, you will be protected, nobody can intimidate you. If you want to eat the seed inside palm kernel, it will not be easy/

    “You can’t sleep at home and be expecting power, nobody serves it in a restaurant. No matter the level of their lies, propaganda and intimidation, fear has gripped them.

    “Vote and stand by your vote, it will not be like that of 2014. It is your turn to get your government for your good and progress, go there on Saturday and vote APC.”

    Fayemi promised return of good governance to Ekiti if the people of the state elect him. He commended the people for trooping out in large numbers for the rally to welcome the President.

    He said the party is united after the primary noting that all governorship aspirants who contested for the party’s ticket with him are resolute to ensure victory for the party.

    Fayemi said: “During my time, there is no community that did not benefit from our government. If we did not construct your road, we built your school, if we did not build your school, we constructed palace for your Kabiyesi, if we did not build palace for your Kabiyesi, we fixed your drains.

    “We did all that, we did not owe workers a single Naira; we paid the elderly, we paid free WAEC, NECO, JAMB, NABTEB fees. We increased workers salaries (minimum wage) from N8,500 to N13,000 and then to N19,000.

    “We were the first to pay Rural Teachers Allowance in Nigeria, Core Teachers Allowance. I am running on a track record of service in all constituencies, there is no single community that did not benefit from our (first) tenure.

    “Why am I back? President did not sack me (as minister). My people need me for reclaiming your land and restoring our values. Your PVCs must be ready because the power of the people is greater than the people in power.”

    Chairman of APC National Campaign Council for Ekiti State governorship election, Kebbi State Governor Bagudu said the magnitude of crowd that thronged the stadium was a pointer to an APC victory on Saturday.

    Bagudu said Ekiti has the best potential to develop under Fayemi noting that Ekiti people appreciated what he did during his first tenure.

    “Go to your polling units on Saturday and vote APC; guard your votes, don’t be intimidated. President Buhari has assured that security will be provided and your votes will count,” Bagudu said.

    Yari, who is also the Chairman of Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF) said Fayose held its rally on the streets last week because he was afraid of an empty stadium.

    Yari said Fayemi has done it before and he will do it again urging residents to troop out in large numbers to vote Fayemi.

    Other governors who spoke at the rally include Akeredolu, Bello, Aregbesola, Ajimobi and Amosun.

    The Senator representing Ekiti Central, Mrs. Fatimat Raji Rasaki led other PDP members into the APC. She described the PDP as a party of retrogression, anti-people and anti-progressive party.

    Other PDP chieftains officially received into APC are House of Representatives member representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 2, Mr. Olamide Oni; House of Assemby member representing Ikere Constituency 2, Mr. Sunday Akinniyi; House of Assembly member representing Ise/Orun Constituency, Mr. Adeniran Alagbada; immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Owoseni Ajayi; immediate past Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, Mr. Samuel Adekunle.

    Ex-Attorney General Ajayi accused Fayose of running a selfish government which has lost focus and popularity among the people.

    Former Minister of State for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye said more than half of PDP leaders and members in Ekiti State have left the umbrella party saying “PDP will be buried on Saturday.”

  • Ekiti: Police storm printing press, arrest two

    The police in Lagos have invaded a printing press, O’Naphtali Limited, where alleged fake electoral materials were being printed ahead of the July 14 governorship elections in Ekiti State.

    Located at 13A and 13B Oguntano Street, Gbagada, the press was alleged to be owned by one Eniola Fayose, a native of Ikere-Ekiti.

    It was gathered that Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal had led detectives to the place on July 8, following a tipoff that fake electoral materials were being manufactured there.

    Although the owner of the premises was not around when detectives got there, it was gathered that two- Human Resource Manager and Graphic Artist of the company were apprehended.

    Police Commissioner Imohimi Edgal confirmed the incident, adding that those arrested were assisting investigation.

    He said: “The report further revealed that some of the printed ballot papers were moved to Ekiti state in three Hilux vans on Friday July 6, while the art works are still in their graphic computers.

    “Based on the report, a contingent of policemen was immediately deployed to the location to verify the information.

    “At the scene, it was discovered that the company has two buildings located at number 13A and 13B Oguntona Street, Gbagada Phase 1. It was also discovered that the two buildings are being used for general printing, art work.

    Read Also: Police begins manhunt for ritual killers in Edo

    “A search warrant was executed on the premises and the following items were recovered:

    “One HP laptop, one Acer laptop, one Booklet of form EC/ EK 8B Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission EKSIEC; three EKEC 50A envelop for miscellaneous materials, two pieces of Ekiti SEC , eight A(1) statement of result, one copy of form Ekiti SEC eight A(1), one income tax clearance certificate of Ekiti state, seven pieces of Ekiti State Internal Revenue Motor receipts and one piece of form EC 8A of Ekiti SEC.

    “Others include one piece of Ekiti State Voter Card register log book cover for Ado Local Government , one piece of NECO mark/ attendance sheet, Ekiti State Ministry of Education progress report for secondary schools and one colour turn flash drive.

    “Preliminary investigation indicated that the company is said to be in a contractual agreement with the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission to print election materials found during the search.”

    Edgal said that the recovered laptops are being scrutinized by the police ICT experts with a view to discovering any incriminating information.