Kogi APC crisis: SSS releases Faleke, Audu

The State Security Service, SSS, has released James Faleke, the Kogi State Deputy Governor-elect.

Duro Meseko, the Director of Media and Publicity of Audu/Faleke Campaign Organisation, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday evening that Mr. Faleke and Mohammed Audu were released at about 5 p.m.

He said the duo reported to the headquarters of the SSS in Abuja on invitation at about 10 a.m. only to be taken into custody without any cogent reason till 5 p.m. when they were released.

Mr. Meseko urged members of All Progressives Congress, APC, and supporters of the politicians to remain calm and not resort to any action that could jeopardise the existing peace in the state.

He also assured that Mr. Faleke would continue to abide by the rule of law to reclaim the mandate freely given him and the late Abubakar Audu on November 21, 2015.

The SSS, also known as DSS, has not stated any reason for the arrest of Messrs. Faleke and Audu.

Mr. Faleke has rejected the position of Deputy Governor-elect saying he should be sworn-in as governor after the death of his former boss and governorship candidate, Abubakar Audu.

The older Mr. Audu, father of Mohammed Audu, died after over 95 per cent of results announced in the Kogi election showed he had an unassailable lead.

Rather than make Mr. Faleke assume the title of governor-elect, the APC chose Yahaya Bello as its news candidate and asked Mr. Faleke to remain deputy, a position he refuses.

Mr. Faleke has since approached the election tribunal asking to be declared governor. He has also said he will not attend the swearing-in ceremony of January 27.

(NAN)