The Nigerians in Diaspora Monitoring Group (NDMG) has charged the Ekiti state government to issue an unreserved apology to the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleging that Akanni Afolabi, a member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly was killed in its custody.

Following the alarm raised by the Ekiti state government after the arrest and continued detention of the Ekiti state lawmaker by the secret police over alleged breaches bordering on state security, the DSS had paraded Afolabi publicly to show proof of life even though he appeared to be in pains.

The NDMG, in a statement released by Philip Agbese stated that the allegations of the Ekiti state government which was championed by Governor Ayo Fayose took the irresponsibility of the political class in the nation to an all-time low.

The group also pointed out that politicians who blow the horn over such unconfirmed stories paint the image of the nation in a bad light both home and abroad.

The group further stated that those who disseminate such rumors should be made to face dire consequences as the purpose of the rumours might have been to incite violence or bring down the government of the day.

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.”

“However, in line with the new social slogan; Every Life Matters, the Ekiti state government’s bid to ensure that one of their own is safe and sound in the custody of the DSS is not a divisive one. The DSS however should strive to ensure that in the dispensing of their national duty, they do not trespass on the fundamental rights of the same citizens of the state they are meant to protect.”

Adebayo Emuleomo