From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
A caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Osun State, Omoluabi Progressives Caucus (OPC), has cried out over alleged attempt to silence its leader, Rauf Aregbesola, former Interior Minister.
The caucus in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Abosede Oluwaseun, on Monday, fingered Ismail Omipidan, the media aide of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and some unknown people in the state.
The group called on the security agencies to the purported statement made by Omipidan that Aregbesola may not survive the political war against the party and persons that brought him to political reckoning, if he continues.
“We urgently draw the attention of the law enforcement agencies and all responsible individuals to the evident and explicit threats against the life and freedoms of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, clearly expressed in this hostile narrative by an impolite Omipidan.
“It is apparent that Omipidan and his backers are relentlessly pursuing their agenda to kill Ogbeni Aregbesola, a distinguished public figure, with worrying determination,” the group said.
Reacting to the allegations, Omipidan described his linkage with attempt killing of Aregbesola as ‘malicious and unguarded.’
Omipidan, who said he has no history of political violence however little, said all those who sat down to put the statement together before Abosede Oluwaseun appended his signature needed to have their heads thoroughly examined to ascertain their mental health.
He said, “Only an unstable mind and character would accuse a person of my standing, who in the last two decades has no any record of political violence of an alleged threat to the life of a former governor, a former minister.
“As a journalist, my records of service in all the states that I have practiced are open books. Those accusing me are only trying to dress me in a borrowed robe. They know those who are in the habit of using extrajudicial means by deploying non-state actors to deal mercilessly with perceived opponents.
“If this strategy is aimed at preventing me from pressing charges against Osun Defender and its reporters for lying against me, it has failed. I will press charges. It is going to be a long battle, but I am prepared for it in Sha Allah.
“Finally, let me enjoin security operatives to be on the alert because my accusers might be the ones actually plotting something sinister against themselves and might just be looking for an alibi,” Omipidan added.