DEPARTMENT of State Service (DSS) yesterday put a lie to the rumoured death of a member of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Akani Afolabi. He was said to have died in one of the detention facilities at the headquarters in Abuja.
The Ekiti state government had raised the alarm that the lawmakers had died.
Lanre Ogunsuyi, commissioner for information, youths, sports and culture who made the disclosure at a news conference in Ado Ekiti alleged that the lawmaker, who was arrested on March 4, died owing to a lack of access to a doctor.
However, there was 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 appeal by the Service personnel, claiming that he was too weak to do so.
Responding to questions from journalists, Afolabi said though he was surprised at 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 and I just need rest now,” Afolabi said.
Speaking 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 of 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 steer 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.
“In a similar vein, all law abiding Ekiti residents should go about their normal businesses as the Service assures them of full protection by security agencies,” he said.
Refuting the claim that he slumped, the Service insisted that there is no iota of truth in his claim, stressing: “From his behaviour before you today, it is obvious that he is up to one antics and the other.
