Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, broke down on Wednesday while accusing policemen of beating, shooting at him, and brutalising Peoples Democratic Party supporters in the state.
Fayose made the allegation in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital at a rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“They (the police) are beating anybody who has any sign of PDP on them. They are not picking our calls; they’ve made up their minds to do this evil.
“I am in pain, I am in severe pain. I can’t turn this neck anymore. If anything happens to me, the Inspector-General of Police should be held accountable,” the governor told reporters while crying at the rally.
The governor spoke after security operatives dispersed supporters of the PDP from the popular Fajuyi Park in Ado Ekiti where they had gathered for a rally ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in the state.
Governor Fayose attempted to lead the supporters back to the park but the move was thwarted security operatives who reportedly fired gunshots into the air again.
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As a result, the supporters moved to the Government House for the rally.
Addressing party supporters there, the governor, who showed up wearing a neck brace, called on the international community to intervene and protect the people.
“I am in pain but I prefer to bear these pains because of you. I plead with the international community, Nigeria is in trouble, Ekiti is in trouble,” he said.
“Please arise and stand for justice. They have arrested so many teachers, they have arrested so many Okada(motorcycle) riders. They have arrested so many PDP members.”
On his part, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Habila Joshak said the police could not have denied Governor Fayose being elected by the peole.
He however explained that the police only carried out their duty of preventing law and order in the area.
“The sitting governor is a governor that has been chosen be the people. We will not go and block this place to prevent him,” he said.
To the police boss, any rally that should be conducted must get clearance despite the freedom of association as enshrined in the constitution.
This is to prevent miscreants from taking advantage of the opportunity ahead of the governorship election.
He added, “We will not like people to gather and start another rally. When you start that rally, containing you by using smoke is not the best option for now
“The best option is that anybody who has not got the permission of congregating on a day like this in this state should not be allowed to do so.
“If they gather and I carry the men, it will be unfair for me to go and inflict injury on the people just to tell them don’t go. It’s better to be pre-emptive by telling them not to congregate politely.”
