Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), a legal practitioner has called on the people of Ekiti State not to be carried away by Ayo Fayose’s victory. He said Fayose, the governor-elect “cannot change” as he will always be who he has been.
In an interview with newsmen in Abuja, on Wednesday, Falana said, “the credibility of the election being used as a defence point in political circles depended on certain factors”.
“Ekiti people have voted and made their choice; I can only wish them well. We know what happened before. I am a student of history. I know that Fayose cannot change and so why do you think I should be celebrating? I can only wish Ekiti people well for their choice. Fayose regretted it the last time. So what has changed?
“Fayose said he had changed, which is a reflection of the fact that what happened the last time cannot be tolerated in a civilised society; let’s wait and see. He didn’t come with any programme and no manifesto in this election. If people opted for him, you can only wish them well.”
When question was asked whether the election was free and fair, Falana said, “It depends on what you mean by a free and fair election.”
He said, “In terms of the accreditation, in terms of the actual voting and the collation of results, the Independent National Electoral Commission did very well this time and there was a noticeable improvement.
“But when you look at the totality of the election, militarisation of Ekiti State, harassment by security forces, disenfranchisement of some people by the military forces, and the fact that the place was invaded by 30,790 policemen, soldiers and members of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, you can’t say that was a free and fair election. You must have an election in a free and fair atmosphere.”
Falana praised the incumbent Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi for accepting defeat and congratulating the governor-elect, Mr. Ayo Fayose.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria further stated that, “Fayemi’s action is very commendable. The governor acted as a patriot and he hasn’t disappointed me. When you are defeated in an election, you must learn to congratulate the winner and he had said it earlier that ‘if the election was credible and I lose, I will congratulate the winner’ and that is what he has done.
“I think other Nigerian politicians should emulate that. But the duty is on INEC; if INEC conducts a good election, nobody will go to court. That is what Fayemi has shown. He is an enlightened guy and a patriot.” Falana added.
Via Daily Post
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