Akure — The flagging-off of third term rally for President Olusegun Obasanjo over the weekend, suffered its first set back, following the threat by Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) and some militant youths to disrupt it.

The rally, organised by the Movement for National Accomodation and Consensus for Continuity (MONACO), slated for Akure, was marred, following speculations that OPC members and some militant youths had vowed to mobilise masses against the rally and also to cause crisis.

Tensions gripped Akure Metropolis, as people envisaged possible breakdown of law and order if the rally, which was given wide publicity holds.

Despite the publicity, the rally was an abysmal failure, as invited governors and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in South-west did not turn up.

Governor Olusegun Agagu, it was learnt, advised his counterparts in South-west not to honour the invitation, saying the security report was unfavourable.

It was also learnt that Governor Ayo Fayose who insisted oan attending the rally was cautioned by Agagu, saying his security might not be guaranteed.

Police and some other security operatives who stormed Akure City Hall, venue of the rally as early as 8 a.m. to forestall a break down of law and order were disappointed, as both OPC members and youths who had threatened to cause pandemonium did not show up.

An assistant Commissioner of Police who led a team of Mobile Policemen with armoured tank to the rally warned people to steer clear, while armed policemen paraded major streets.

The armoured tank was stationed in front of the hall with stern looking mobile policemen on red alert.

When it was obvious that the rally had already flopped ,the organisers quickly changed the programme to inauguration of MONACCO, Ondo State chapter. Effort to get in touch with MONACCO state coordinator, Sam Omorege failed, as his phone was switch off.

Police Public Relations Officer, Adeniran Aremu, said the police was not aware of any rally, saying it was a meeting by a group.