Ekiti rally shooting:‘Bamidele recuperating, not in coma

The Special Assistant on Media to Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, Ahmed Salami has dispelled rumour that his principal is in coma following the shooting at a rally organized for the All Progressives Party candidate for the governorship election, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

It was gathered that Bamidele and six others were hit by bullets from gunshots fired by a policeman drafted to maintain orderliness at the rally attended by a mammoth crowd.

In a statement in Ado Ekiti yesterday, Ahmed Salami said though Bamidele passed out due to the trauma he suffered when the bullets pierced his abdominal region and leg, he was not in coma.

He said, “we appreciate his supporters and APC members across the state. The way he fell fuelled insinuation that he is still in coma. Let me assure our supporters in Ekiti and other concerned Nigerians that Bamidele is not in coma. He has regained consciousness and is fast recuperating due to prompt and intensive medical treatment he received thereafter”.

The statement said Bamidele went through a surgery to remove the bullets from his abdominal region and leg, but he implored supporters to be calm and law abiding.

“We appreciate our people for the outpour of affection since the incident occurred and this underscores the strong bond among APC members and Ekiti people in general.

“We want to say that the shooting was very unfortunate and unwarranted in view of the decorous and peaceful way our people comported themselves from Akure, Ondo State capital via Ikere and to Ado Ekiti.

“We charge the police authorities to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the shooting and bring whoever that was complicit to justice.

“We specially appreciate the governor of Ondo State, Barrister Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and his wife Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, Senator Ayo Arise and other party bigwigs for their efforts in saving Bamidele’s life and that of other victims,” he said.