•Demand N100m ransom
…SDP, Fani-Kayode, others plead for release
From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure, Ndubuisi Orji and Sola Ojo, Kaduna
Elder statesman and National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Olu Falae was yesterday, abducted by some hoodlums in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was reportedly kidnapped on his way to his farm located in Ilado Village in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.
It was gathered that the suspected kidnappers trailed Falae from his residence in Akure to his farm before he was kidnapped.
National Publicity Secretary of the SDP, a party founded by Falae, Mr. Remi Olayiwola, who spoke with newsmen at the residence of Falae confirmed that he was kidnapped on his farm.
It was, however, not certain whether or not Falae was alone when he was arrested, but a source said he left home with one other person.
Falae, whose birthday was on September 20, was said to have been having issues with some herdsmen around his farm.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state Police command, Mr. Wole Ogodo, who confirmed the incident, said 50 mobile policemen had been deployed to the farm.
Ogodo also confirmed that Falae had been having serious issues with herdsmen around his farm.
Meanwhile, the residence of Chief Falae located in Oba-Ile area of Akure was yesterday besieged by sympathisers, who thronged the house to sympathise with the family on the abduction of the patriarch of the family. His wife disclosed that a special prayer was said to have been held for the family.
She also told newsmen that her husband’s abductors have made contact and were demanding N100 million as ransom.
Mrs. Falae said the abductors asked the family to pay the ransom within three days.
She said one of the suspected abductors, who spoke with a member of the family on telephone assured that her husband will be released as soon as the money was paid to them between Tuesday and Thursday.
Mrs. Falae, however pleaded with them to release her husband unconditionally as the family could not afford to pay the ransom.
She added the former finance minister was not as rich as many people think, and therefore pleaded for his unconditional release.
It was also gathered last night that hunters in Akure had been deployed to Falae’s farm where he was reportedly kidnapped.
The hunters, it was learnt, have started working with the Police officers earlier deployed to the farm.
Chief Olu Falae’s political party, Social Democratic Party (SDP) has condemned his abduction and demanded his immediate and unconditional release.
National Publicity Secretary of the party, Dr. Abdul Isiaq, dismissed reports that the 77 year-old politician was at loggerheads with anybody “either in business or politics.”
Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, has condemned the abduction of Chief Olu Falae, saying it was not only unacceptable but also an exceptionally dangerous development. “I say this because he is not only an elder-statesman of our country but, he is also one of the most revered leaders of Afenifere and the South-West. We cannot sit by idly and watch our leaders and elders being endangered, shamed and humiliated in this way.”
He said: “It is governments job to keep us all safe and secure and they are failing in that duty. Let it be clearly understood that if anything happens to him and if he doesn’t come home hale and hearty we will hold the Federal Government responsible and there will be consequences.”
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Ebonyi State, Chief Henry Ude also condemned Falae’s abductors.
Ude, who expressed shock at the ugly development, told Daily Sun yesterday that the kidnap of Falae, was worrisome.
Recalling his contact with Falae, when they were both detained at the Force CID Alagbon, during the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) agitation for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria, Ude described the former SGF as a very peaceful man, who has contributed meaningfully to the development of the country.
Meanwhile, the residence of Chief Falae located in Oba-Ile area of Akure was yesterday besieged by sympathizers who thronged the house to sympathize with the family on the abduction of the patriarch of the
family. His wife disclosed that a special prayer was said to have been held for the family.
The wife of the abducted Politician, Mrs Rachael Falae however refused to speak with our Correspondent, His wife disclosed that a special prayer was said to have been held for the family.
Some of the sympathizers at the Falae’s residence include Politicians,government officials, neighbours and traditional chiefs of Akure, his hometown. Falae was initially scheduled to celebrate his 77th birthday yesterday
but the arrangement eventually changed.