APC decries arrest of senior Ekiti official

Lagos - The All Progressive Congress (APC) has accused  President Goodluck Jonathan of masterminding the arrest and arraignment of the Ekiti State Commissioner for Integration and Intergovernmental Affairs, Funminiyi Afuye.

It alleged this was part of plot to win Saturday's governorship election in the state.

Afuye, who was arrested in Abuja two weeks ago from the scene of APC rally, has been charged for terrorism and treason.

The opposition party expressed shock at the sudden charge levelled against the commissioner by the federal government.

"We have raised the alarm on many occasions that the Jonathan Presidency has ordered a clampdown on the leaders, members and sympathisers of the APC so that they will be out of circulation during the election next Saturday.

"Similarly,  three APC members from Ikole local government have also been whisked to Abuja with many others listed for arrest and arraignment for terrorism. 

"The APC members whisked to Abuja are Anu Onipede, Babatunde Adeosun and Olufemi Ojo," APC stated.

It said many homes of APC leaders and supporters are being searched in every town with the aim of implicating them for arrest and trial on trumped-up charges.

The party thus appealed to the international community to prevail on Jonathan not to use his power of incumbency to suppress the people of Ekiti State.

"We also wish to remind President Jonathan that he should focus his attention more on the real terrorists in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States and leave the peace-loving people of Ekiti State alone to elect a Governor of their choice," said the opposition.

It preached restraint among supporters.

"We urge our supporters to be calm and remain steadfast in the face of intimidation and come out en mass to vote for the candidate of their choice on Saturday," the party said.

- CAJ News