I am in pains, Fayose weeps; Says IGP Idris behind his ordeal

I am in pains, Fayose weeps; Says IGP Idris behind his ordeal

Fayose being revived

Governor Ayodele Fayose has accused the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, of being the mastermind of the siege laid on Ekiti government House during which the governor was allegedly teargased.

Fayose slumps

A crying Fayose said: “I am in pains. If anything happens to me hold the Inspector General of Police accountable”. He was weak and in tears as his aides tried to revive him.

Ekiti has been under intense security alert since the beginning of the week. The situation heightened Tuesday when the APC held a rally in the state. Police and military presence was noticeable in the state ahead of the Saturday guber election.

Mike Ozekhome, Fayose’s lawyer said the state was under siege and called on the Federal authorities to caution the security officers.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of  Operations,  Mr Habilal Joshak,  has assured residents of Ekiti of a level playing ground during Saturday’s governorship election.

The DIG gave the assurance at a news conference on Wednesday in  Ado-Ekiti.

He said the Force was ready  to perform its statutory duties of protecting lives and property before, during and after the  election.

Joshak noted that a robust security mechanism had been put in place for not only the electorate  but  all stakeholders participating in the election.

He, however,  said all police officers attached to very important personalities would be withdrawn  on the day of the election, adding that “this is to ensure a level playing ground for everyone.’’

Joshak said any police officer found to have contravened the guidelines of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended ) will be sanctioned.

“I assure Ekiti citizens that no officer will intimidate any one during the process of the election; if any officer does, such officer will be sanctioned,’’ he said.

He also said that there would  be restriction on  vehicular movement on the day of the election, adding that  the entrance and exit points in the state would  be properly manned.

The police boss  warned the electorate and party agents to be well behaved and avoid loitering, saying  any attempt to disrupt the orderly manner of the election would  be dealt with.

He also warned the people of the state against being armed and  wearing of  party insignia  on the day of the election.

Joshak , who also warned against distributing money at polling units,  urged  media professionals to ensure accurate, unbiased and responsible reportage before, during and after the election.

The DIG explained that four policemen would  be deployed to man each polling unit with the assistance of other sister security agencies.

He pointed out that the military had  also been deployed to patrol on the outer perimeter of the state.

“They will not be seen at polling units except when there is complete disturbance.

“I want every citizen of the state to feel free and come out to cast their votes”, the DIG said.