Death Rumours: Apologise to DSS, Ekiti Govt told

OndoReporter | Death Rumours: Apologise to DSS, Ekiti Govt told

Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group
(NDMG) has asked the government of Ekiti
State to tender unreserved apology to the
Department of State Services (DSS) for
raising false alarm that a member of Ekiti
State House of Assembly, Mr Akanni Afolabi
has been killed in the custody of the secret
police.

The DSS had to publicly present Afolabi, who
is being detained over alleged breaches
bordering on state security, to the media
after rumours spread that he died in
custody.

In a statement by Comrade Philip Agbese,
the NDMG said the campaign of dangerous
rumour mongering spearheaded by the state
governor, Ayo Fayose marked a new low in
political irresponsibility and that politicians
who rush to town with such unconfirmed
stories are tarnishing Nigeria’s image both at
home and abroad.

Agbese noted that the irresponsible rumour
could have sparked widespread breakdown of
law and order but for the tact with which the
DSS countered what was possibly a
deliberate and calculated attempt to trigger
nationwide violence.

It said: “In addition to the DSS, other
security and intelligence agencies in the land
should review events around this rumour,
which was actively and knowingly spread,
against earlier threats by Fayose that he can
bring down the present federal government
at will.

“While the Ekiti State governor enjoys
immunity by virtue of his office, the other
people that went down this path of infamy
with him should be made to account for their
action of maliciously trying to bring
instability down on Nigeria.

"Even when Fayose cannot be arrested or
tried alongside his minions, the government
of Ekiti state must apologise to the DSS,
Nigerians and the Federal Government for
spreading falsehood targeted at diminishing
our security agencies that are out to ensure
every citizen is protected from bloodthirsty
politicians who derive pleasure in abusing
their privileges," it demanded.

The NDMG however, urged the DSS to
charge the accused person, Mr Akanni
Afolabi, to court as soon as it concludes its
investigation, which should be sped up, as
human rights abuse is unacceptable.