The rumour that made the rounds that a member of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Akani Afolabi, has died in its detention facilities in Abuja was dispelled by The Department of State Security as he was paraded before newsmen .
However, there was a mild drama while parading the Assembly member, as Hon Afolabi who had worked into the conference room earlier refused to stand up from his seat despite persuasions by the Service personnel, claiming that he was too weak to do so.
While fielding questions from journalists, Hon Afolabi said that though he was surprised with the rumour of his death, it could be because he had slumped earlier in the morning, adding that he was quickly given medical attention even as he has not been administered the drug recommended by the medical personnel.
“I fainted today after slumping and I was given medical attention immediately. I am not okay yet. I am weak to talk and I just need rest now,” Hon Afolabi managed to say.
Earlier, Abdulahi Garba, who stood in for the spokesperson of the Service, Tony Opuiyo, said: “You may have been aware of the recent situation in Ekiti State in which the DSS was accused of abducting the State’s Assembly Legislators.
“The fact is that one of the members of the Assembly, Hon. Akanni Afolabi was duly invited by the Service over some serious breaches bordering on State security and for which he has some explanations to make. These breaches fall under the purview of the DSS to investigate.
“This Press Conference has become necessary in order to debunk a rumour which is being dangerously spread in Ekiti State by some mischief makers to the effect that Hon. Afolabi has died in custody. Nigerians and Ekiti people in particular are convinced to see that Afolabi is hale and hearty as he is being presented to the Press today.
“The DSS will therefore warn all those who have planned to make a meat out of this to desist from it and stir clear from trouble as the Service will not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law against any one or persons that may engage in violent actions of any kind.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti state government has vowed to resist any attempt by the federal government to disrupt the peace which the people of the state are enjoying under governor Ayodele Fayose.
