Group: Ekiti Out To Scuttle Tribunal Judgment - Allegation Baseless - Gov

Dapo Falade, Ado-Ekiti - 02.02.2008

THE people of Ekiti State have been told to be aware of the plan of the Governor Segun Oni-led administration to stay in power at all cost under what it code-named "Obasanjo option" if the election petition tribunal judgment did not favour it.

The director of Publicity and Research of the Ayo Fayose Foundation and Movement (AFFM), Dr. Funso Alarape, who raised the alarm in Ado Ekiti on Friday, described the plan as a defeatist approach.

Alarape alleged that due to overwhelming evidence pointing to the nullification of election of Oni by the tribunal, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who visited the state few days ago, sold an option to the governor during a brief discussion.

However, in his reaction, Oni described the allegation as baseless and unfounded.

He said such could only have emanated from a demented soul in urgent need of psychiatric attention, adding that as the sitting governor of the state, his main priority was to ensure peace and security.

He also added that he had nothing to fear about whatever may be the outcome of the petition filed against his victory in the last April governorship election.

But Alarape said that the option takes the form of plunging the state into confusion and crisis, which would enable President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua to impose a state of emergency on the state.

The AFFM spokesman said that information at the group's disposal showed that the plan was expected to be executed before the tribunal delivers its judgment and that after the six months emergency period.

Yar'Adua would be forced to restore the governor back to power as the only "legal" administration on ground before the crisis.

He alleged that the state government has considered the Obasanjo option, which necessitated underground plans to clamp down on the opposition, compilation of names of opposition members and letter written by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Gboyega Oyewole, to the Army formation in Akure, Ondo.

State to deploy soldiers to guide government property in Ekiti State.

The former president during his last visit to the state assured Oni that he would be in office till 2011, advising Dr. Kayode Fayemi of the Action Congress (AC) to wait till 2011.