Afuye Raises Alarm Over Alleged Threats, Seeks Security Protection in Ekiti
Political activist and former Deputy Governorship candidate of the Action for Democratic Party (ADP), Comrade Idowu Afuye, has called on security agencies in Ekiti State to provide him with immediate protection over alleged threats to his life.
Afuye, in a statement issued on Wednesday, alleged that a public office holder in the state had threatened him with arrest or framing if he failed to withdraw an ongoing case before the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti.
According to him, the alleged threat was conveyed directly as: “Withdraw the case or be framed.”
He further alleged that agents of the unnamed public office holder informed a mutual associate that plans were underway to have him arrested if he refused to withdraw the suit.
Afuye also claimed that the official had threatened to deploy government machinery against him and frame him if he continued with the case.
He therefore appealed to the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command; the Department of State Services (DSS); the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); and other relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the allegations and protect him and his property.
The activist described the alleged threats as an attempt to intimidate and silence him for exercising his right to seek redress through the courts.
He said the matter goes beyond politics, stressing that citizens should be able to question public office holders and demand accountability without fear of intimidation.
Afuye, who identified himself as a Political Scientist and alumnus of the University of Ado-Ekiti, now Ekiti State University (EKSU), said he had previously been arrested over what he described as “spurious allegations” after questioning the performance of public representatives.
He maintained that questions about projects, youth development, infrastructure, welfare and other issues affecting constituents were legitimate matters of public accountability.
“Accountability is not hatred. Questioning performance is not disrespect. Demanding results is not betrayal,” he stated.
Afuye urged the security agencies to act with speed, professionalism and neutrality, while calling for measures to ensure that no citizen is harmed or intimidated for exercising his constitutional rights.
