By Gbenga Sodeinde
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor of Ekiti State, Mr Yinka Oyebode has accused a former Commissioner in Ekiti State (name withheld) as being responsible for the allegation of anti-party against him.
Reacting to a trending video where he was alleged of campaiging against the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the last House of Assembly, Olayinka who doubles as the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor said; “the political camp of a former commissioner in the state is responsible for the current smear campaign against my person, simply because I challenged his unjust and manipulative ways”.
The Governor’s spokesperson noted that “there is no denying the fact there were some unresolved issues between Okemesi and Ido-Ile chapters of APC before the election, which were known to leaders of the party. It is on record that I and some other leaders of the party were at the forefront of resolving the issues.”
It will be recalled that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) polled 1,108 to defeat the APC which polled 193 in Ido-Ile, the hometown of the governor’s spokesperson in the last election.
The outcome of the election was considered by political observers as a protest vote against the APC candidate, Mr Johnson Oyekola Bode Adeoye, who was accused of being used against the Ido-Ile people by the former Commissioner under the government of Dr Kayode Fayemi.
Below is the full text of the disclaimer by Mr Oyebode;
“My attention has been drawn to a trending video accompanied by a short write up, purporting that I, Olayinka Oyebode, in company of some APC leaders moved from one polling unit to another in Ido-Ile Ekiti (my home town) urging people to vote for an opposition party, during last Saturday’s House of Assembly election.
“While I would have ignored both the video and those behind its circulation, because it does not represent the true picture of what happened, I cannot ignore the concerns raised by well-meaning leaders, mentors, friends and colleagues over the childish attempt by some elements to make me a target of a smear campaign. For this and for record sake, I consider it important that I state my position as follows:
” I am neither in that video nor in any part of Ido-Ile Ekiti canvassing support for any opposition party prior to or during the State Assembly election as alleged.
“I cast my vote at my unit 002 and later left for Ikogosi-Ekiti to join my media colleagues (journalists and cameramen) to cover Mr Governor’s voting exercise.
” Linking me with the video and alleging that I moved from polling unit to another canvassing support for opposition party is a cheap blackmail and a veiled campaign of calumny targeted at the Government of Ekiti State which I work for. This is ridiculous and wicked.
“The political camp of a former commissioner in the state is responsible for the current smear campaign against my person, simply because I challenged his unjust and manipulative ways.
“My commitment to the growth and success of our party remains unwavering.
” I urge all well-meaning members of the public to kindly disregard the allegations.
“There is no denying the fact there were some unresolved issues between Okemesi and Ido Ile chapters of APC before the election, which were known to leaders of the party. It is on record that I and some other leaders of the party were at the forefront of resolving the issues”. Oyebode added.