By Ayodele Oni, Akure
Knocks and condemnations have greeted a viral video where a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Ondo state was reported to have threatened war on opposition during the October 10 Governorship election.
A traditional ruler in the state, the Regent of Ibule, Princess Olubunmi Falowo described insinuations in the viral video as falling short of the personality of Mr Isaac Kekemeke.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called on security agencies to arrest the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Mr. Isaac Kekemeke, over the inciting and threatening comments.
Kekemeke, former state chairman of APC and one of the aspirants in the last Governorship primary, had boasted in a viral video that thugs and federal might would be used during the October 10, 2020 gubernatorial election in the state.
The State chairman of the PDP, Mr Fatai Adams said that his party has filed petitions with security agencies in the state asking for the arrest of the APC chieftain.
“There’s this viral video where one Isaac Kekemeke, former chairman of APC in Ondo State, openly admitted that APC thugs, sponsored by Akeredolu, were responsible for destroying campaign bill boards and posters of Eyitayo Jegede, SAN, the PDP standard bearer.
“He also confessed that the NURTW will be mobilized with arms and ammunition to rig the election in favour of the APC. He admitted in like manner that Federal Might(whatever that means) will be brought to bear on the elections in Ondo State.
“We are very surprised that up till now, the security agencies have not apprehended D.I. Kekemeke to answer for his utterances that are capable of precipitating crisis and setting Ondo State on fire ahead of the gubernatorial election in the state.
“We’ve sent letters to security agencies this morning (Monday). The security agencies are representatives of Mr. President and we believe through this, he will intervene.
“We are doing this to guarantee free and fair election in the state during the forthcoming gubernatorial election on October 10, 2020.
“His statement was careless, very reckless and unbecoming of a man who parades himself as a lawyer. By his utterances, he’s a huge disgrace to his profession and party.
“PDP is law-abiding and ready to play the game according to the rule. We believe the security agencies will be able to handle this.”
However, PDP declared it was ready for the October 10, 2020 gubernatorial election, saying “as a party, we are prepared for a free and fair election, and Akeredolu and his party should do the same.
“But if there’s any violence during this period, Akeredolu and APC should be held responsible.”
Kekemeke had admitted making those words but claimed that they were side talks which one of his boys mistakenly posted to the social media.
In an open letter, the Regent of Ibulesoro, Regent Olubunmi Falowo expressed disappointment with the trending video where Kekemeke boasted about his machinery of violence and intimidation during the forthcoming gubernatorial elections.
“I saw the video multiple times in disbelief that it couldn’t have been you sir. Even though I have no personal relationship with you, I felt hurt and betrayed by a leader I admire. I was scared when you called yourself a militant.”
Urging the APC chieftain to apologise to the people of Ondo State, the Regent pointed out that “it may have been political, but to us, it was a threat to our collective peace as a people. Kindly also commit to a violence free process. If not because of today, do it because of tomorrow.”
