I Lost My Re-election To Thuggery, Hooliganism, Killings- Rep Ayeni

By Segun Ojo, Ilesa

Hon Lawrence Ayeni, a member of House of Representatives has called on Nigerians to continue to pray for peaceful transition of power in May 29.

Ayeni, a member of All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Ijesa South Federal Constituency said this during his annual Ramadan lecture on Thursday in Ilesa.

The lawmaker said that all the prayers that were offered by Muslim faithfuls during the Ramadan period for the country would be answered for peaceful transition of power to the President-elect Bola Tinubu, on May 29.

He said peaceful transition of power would ensure unity and stability of the country, adding that all Nigerians should shun violence before, during and after the transition programme.

” This is a special month because the Christians finished their fast not too long and Muslims is about to finish their own.

” So, automatically, all of us are praying to God and surely, God will have mercy on us for a successful transition.

” Election is over and this is the time for us to come together to support the incoming administration for a greater Nigeria”, he said.

Ayeni also called on Nigerians to continue to embrace peace for the progress and unity of the country.

Besides, Ayeni said he lost his re-election during the general elections due to threat and thuggery.

” I cannot blame my supporters for not coming out to vote for me on election day.

“What happened before and during the election was terrible.

” Before the election, 14 of my members were killed, in Atakunmosa East, 7 of my supporters were killed, threat was too much for them.

“I did not lost the election, I lost to the hooliganism, thuggery, killings and threats.

“That is why I did not congratulate the person that won the election because I know that if the election is free and fair without any molestation, I would have won.

“A day to the election two of my party agent were killed and others were attacked while they came to collect election material.

“On the Election Day, there were no security and it is so unfortunate, I can’t blame the people of Ijesha land, my supporters for not winning. But I am coming back. The election has not gone.

“Before the election, 14 of my members were killed, in Atakunmosa East. The threat was too much for them from the opposition”, he said.

Earlier in his message, Alhaji Abdulraheem Bushira, the Chief Imam of Ansarulislam, Ilesa, urged Nigerians to go back to God for his mercy.

Bushira also urged Nigerians to continue to pray for peaceful transition of power on May 29.

According to him, if Nigerians can go back to God, life will be more easier and better.

” God has made things easy for us and what we need to do now is to go back to him for his blessings”, he said.

The cleric also commended the lawmaker for organising the lecture, adding that he has been a blessing to the community.

CityMirrorNews reports that the highlights of the events was the presentation of gifts to winners of the Quranic recitation.