Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), a Yoruba ethnic militia has organized itself to search for the former Nigeria Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae, who was kidnapped by unknown persons on Monday in Akure, Ondo state.
Founder of the OPC, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, who announced the search party stressed that he had ordered OPC operatives to immediately launch a manhunt, combing all nooks and crannies of Ondo State and beyond, for the abducted politician.
Dr. Fasehun who accused the Federal Government of being silenct 24 hours after the kidnap described the kidnap as an assault and insult on the Yoruba people, and challenged security operatives and agencies to produce Falae within 48 hours.
This was even as he summoned all members of the group in the country to attend an emergency meeting on Sunday.
“OPC is not interested in crisis but it was founded primarily for the protection of its own and for building bridges in Nigeria. All lovers of Nigerian unity like OPC, communal peace and national progress must rise up to this challenge.”
Fasehun warned against the possible consequences of the kidnap of Falae, even as he alleged that that Falae had been taken by strangers.
“At my turning 80, the entire world would expect me to be a bridge builder. And I have prepared myself to be just that. But if any missile is thrown at you, and it is likely to affect your eyeball, you must avoid it at all costs. This is my view of the insult now being unleashed, being flung at Nigeria by the enemies of Nigeria’s unity.”
The kidnappers have reportedly demanded a ransom of N100 million.
Recalling that Falae had rendered “impeccable” service to the country as a Permanent Secretary, then Minister of Finance and Secretary to the Federal Government, Fashaun described the victim’s current ordeal as uncharitable.
“When we heard that Falae was kidnapped, we thought it was impossible, as kidnappers would not be mad enough to kidnap a man of peace, a man who has selflessly served Nigeria.
“Falae is by any standard a leader of the Yoruba people, a leader of Nigeria and a significant leader in Africa. He is a leader of Afenifere. He was a leader of NADECO. And any assault on him is an assault on Nigeria and Nigerians,” he said.
On the Federal Government not officially reacting react to the incident, Fasehun said: “Over 24 hours after this disruption of the life of a dignitary, government has not issued any statement; rather what we hear is a loud silence from the Federal Government. It is a shame; it is a big shame.”
According to the OPC President, the kidnapping of the top-flight politician portended ill for his fellows.
“We believe this is a political issue. And any politician in Nigeria must make sure that Chief Olu Falae is released immediately. Otherwise OPC will take any step available to defend its own.” [myad]
