The Nation Newspaper

Category: Ekiti 2018

  • Ekiti 2018: 25 political parties adopt Fayemi

    The governorship bid of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has received a boost as he has been adopted by twenty five political parties.

    Citing what they called Fayemi’s “superlative and sparkling credentials” and life-changing policies and projects during his first tenure, the parties pledged to work for his victory at the Saturday poll.

    The parties also praised President Muhammadu Buhari for reducing corruption in the Nigerian society, saying this will help in stabilizing the country economically within the next few years.

    Read Also:Ekiti 2018: Why I want to rule Ekiti again – Fayemi

    Addressing reporters on Wednesday, KOWA Party State Chairman and spokesman of the group, Pastor Ade Ogunkolade, said the decision was arrived at “in the interest of Ekiti

    Some of the parties include Action Alliance (AA), Alliance for Democracy (AD), African Democratic Congress (ADC), National Conscience Party (NCP), All Progressives Congress (APC), Advanced Congress of Democrats (ACD), National Action Congress (NAC), among others.

    Ogunkolade said Fayemi was the first governor to introduce free education up to the secondary level in the state unlike now when kindergartens were being mandated to pay taxes even in private schools.

    He said apart from declaring free education for pupils, that Fayemi also created avenues for employments of youths, such as the State Peace Corps, Volunteer Corps, Social Security scheme, among other policies that affected the lives of the masses positively.

    He said: “After careful studies of all these achievements, the CNPP decided to give him all the necessary supports and strongly advise Ekiti people to come out on Saturday ad vote massively for Dr Fayemi to return Ekiti to the golden age of abundance.

    “Ekiti people must not be deceived into another era of anarchy, tyranny oppression, indebtedness and deception”.

    The CNPP condemned Governor Fayose for allegedly incurring a staggering sum of N117 billion as debt as revealed by the Debt Management Office (DMO) without nothing to show for it as achievements.

    “We appeal to the federal government to deploy more policemen to the State to prevent any rigging by the PDP-led government in the state.”

    CNPP appealed to Ekiti electorate to cooperate with security agencies to make the coming election a success.

  • Ekiti 2018: Ignore Fayose’s antics, he is a clown, says Adeyeye

    A chieftain of the All Peoples Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, has advised the people of the state to ignore, what he described as the latest antics of the state Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose.

    Fayose had  claimed that he was attacked by some armed security agents at the state Government House on Wednesday.

    Speaking through the Director of Publicity, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye Movement (PAAM), Niyi Ojo, in a statement on Wednesday, Adeyeye, said Fayose has always been a “clownish dramatist.”

    Adeyeye said Fayose’s latest “stunt” was aimed at creating a diversion for the people of the state, while covering up his nefarious activities, which are aimed at rigging Saturday’s governorship election.

    The statement reads in part; “Fayose has always been a dramatist. He has always been acting drama. Ekiti people should ignore him and remain resolute in their determination to throw him out of office and out of Ekiti State completely, on July 14.”

    The former Minister of State for Works, congratulated the people of the state for their impressive turnout on Tuesday for the party’s mega rally and the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Read Also: EKITI 2018: Fayose teargassed, says I was slapped by policeman

    He also implored the youths of the state, especially students of higher institutions, not to involve themselves in the Governor’s schemes to rig Saturday’s election, adding that it could turn awry for them and knowing the governor, he would deny them, when they are arrested and incarcerated .

    ”I congratulate the people of the state for their massive turn out on Tuesday for the visit of President Muhammdu Buhari  to the state APC’s mega rally and other VIPs who came too. This was despite all the devilish plans of the tyrannical state governor to prevent and disrupt the rally.

    ”I admire their courage and determination to weed out the Pharaoh of Ekiti state through the polls on Saturday.

    ”There are reports that some of our youths are been misguided by the despot at the state House, to engage them in disrupting the democratic process.

    “These have dire consequences and the character in the government house has been known in the past to betray those who did his bidding in the past and get caught. Be wise, don’t be used for devilish plots, which are anti-democratic”. Adeyeye  warned.

     

     

  • Ekiti 2018: We stopped rally to prevent breakdown of law and order- DIG

    Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), Mr. Habila Joshak, has explained that the proposed rally of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ado-Ekiti was stopped to prevent possible breakdown of law and order.
    The police boss added that no party will be allowed to hold any political rally not approved by the police until the election is held.
    Joshak, who is the overall commander of security operations for the Ekiti State governorship election, said the PDP did not obtain police permit for the botched rally.
    The police chief who  addressed reporters earlier in the day before the Government Hose drama occurred, described the action as a “pre-emptive measure” that was adopted because of the tense situation in the state.
    Joshak said: “Because of the tense situation, we had to do what we did. We heard that His Excellency (Fayose) was doing something in the Government House, the cyclists narrowed the road but we won’t go and block his place.
    “We don’t want people to gather and start another rally because dispersing them with smoke is not the best. The pre-emptive measure was okay.
    “It is better to be pre-emptive by ensuring that the situation did not degenerate.”
    Joshak added: “We are not here to usurp the authority of Governor Fayose. We are not here to rubbish him because he represents the people
    “But we are not going to allow any authorized rally that can trigger violence in the state. You can see that the state is tensed up.
    “As law enforcement agents, we must be proactive and take actions that can prevent crisis rather than trying to quell it after it might have broken out.”
    Joshak said the security details of Very Important Personalities (VIPs) in Ekiti will be withdrawn on Saturday to give all parties participating in the election a level playing field.
    The police boss added that no party will be allowed to hold any political rally not approved by the police until the election is held.
    The DIG explained that he will work with one Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Mr. H.H. Karma and three other Commissioners of Police; Ali Janga, J.B. Kokumo and G.B. Umar, who will man each of the senatorial districts in the state.
    Joshak said they have contacted security details of Governor Fayose and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Kayode Fayemi and other top government officials to report at 6am at the police headquarters in Ado Ekiti on Saturday.
    He said: “We won’t allow anybody to go to the polling booth with armed men, this is a breach of the Electoral Act.
    “We have contacted them and they have to be here before election commences. This election must not be compromised. They will be documented and whoever defies this will be sanctioned, because they have been contacted”, he warned.
    Joshak urged his men not to work for any political party, saying any police officer found exhibiting such will have himself to blame.
    “Those who want to create posts where votes are going to be bought will be disappointed. We are not going allow it.
    “If you cast your votes, you can keep a distance and protect your votes, but if you snatch the ballot, we will cut off your hands, if you run with it, we will stop your legs.
    “If you come out with masquerade on the day of election, we will get it arrested and unmask the man behind it.
    “My men will be civil, so people are free to come out to vote. Nobody will be harassed, that is not part of our duties.
    “Our duty is to secure not only the electoral materials but all the citizens. We are going to be professional and watchful, because we don’t want to be bedeviled with cases of hooliganism, ballot snatching and hate speeches before, during and after this election”, he said.

  • EKITI 2018: Fayose tear-gassed, says I was slapped by policeman

    An attempt by Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose to hold a rally against police advice sparked heavy shooting in Fajuyi area of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
    It was learnt that Fayose was teargassed by riot policemen as he was attending to complaints from People’s Democratic Party (PDP) members that they had been denied access to the Fajuyi Pavilion, venue of the proposed rally.
    An eyewitness revealed that one of the canisters fired from outside the Government House landed very close to Fayose. The governor inhaled the teargas and collapsed.
    The source said Fayose was revived by his security aides and party members and was taken to the Government House Clinic.
    The governor later emerged from the clinic with neck brace to address the crowd that gathered at the Government House grounds.
    Fayose alleged that he was slapped and kicked by a police officer.  He also alleged that an instruction has been given to kill him.
    Deputy Governor and the PDP candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, also alleged that he was beaten by policemen during the melee.
    He called on the international community, European Union (EU) to save democracy in Nigeria which he said is under siege.
    Fayose said: “My people, the Lord will fight this battle; the MOPOL of Nigeria Police, IGP and AIG ordered that the governor should be killed.
    “I was slapped by a policeman, I was kicked and I was shot at. Be of great courage, be not dismayed, this battle will be won.
    “This is an army of occupation, this is not the democracy we fought for. My people, don’t be afraid, I pray they will not cause the 1983 problem in Ekiti State.
    “Ekiti is under siege, how can I be governor of Ekiti State and they treated me like this? My people, stand and keep standing. I will go back to the hospital and remain there, I want you to stand by Eleka (Olusola).
    “I plead with the international community, Nigeria is in trouble, please arise and stand for justice. They have arrested so many teachers, okada riders and PDP members.
    “Come and save PDP, we are in majority, we are a party to beat, come and safe us. They said they are under instruction to kill me and PDP candidate.”
    Fayose, later got emotional and wept while being interviewed by journalists.
    He said: “I am in severe pain, I am in severe pain, should anything evil happen to me, the Inspector General of Police should be held responsible.”
    Olusola said: “They shot sporadically to the air and one of them beat me. I told him that I am the deputy governor, he said deputy governor my foot.
    “We have not moved out to the streets at all, we were walking to our campaign office. The COMPOL (Commissioner of Police) MOPOL (Mobile Police), said to my hearing that it was an instruction from the Presidency.
    “They manhandled my governor and slapped him with the butt of the gun in the back. It was an attempt to assassinate the governor but they will never succeed.
    “Who then is safe in Nigeria? We should tell Buhari that enough is enough; the Presidency should be warned that enough is enough.
    “God is with us, the army that is with us is greater than the army that is with them. God is with us.”
    Ekiti PDP Chairman, Chief Gboyega Oguntuase, accused the Inspector General of having plan to rig the election for the APC.
    Oguntuase said: “When the IGP was CP in Kano State, democracy was bastardized, votes in Kano were rigged.
    “This election shall hold and won by people who are behind PDP. Presently, the police are laying siege to the Government House.”
    Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Mrs. Biodun Olujimi, said PDP members still have the right to hold rallies because the time frame allowed by the Electoral Law had not lapsed.
    She said: “They must be told that enough is enough; our people have been arrested, they are being picked up. If you are popular, you don’t need to be doing all these.
    “We will go to the poll on Saturday and elect a member of the PDP as the next governor.”
    Men of the Nigerian Army and the Police have taken over the Fajuyi Pavilion, which serves as Olusola’s campaign office and sealed off the arena that was scheduled to hold the rally.
    They packed their vehicles inside the arena and kept guard over the facility. An Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was stationed there.
    The security forces who stopped journalists from taking pictures of the place said they were under instruction not to allow any rally because of the tense situation in the state.
    PDP members who arrived the place in their white apparel as instructed by the governor met the stern-looking security men who asked them to go back.
    The Government House gate was sealed off while the Secretariat Road was blocked.
    The policemen fired several canisters of teargas to disperse the PDP members who had arrived Ado-Ekiti from all parts of the state.
    The party faithful ran helter-skelter as teargas fumes billowed into the sky. The frightened party men and women dispersed in different directions.
    While some of them ran inside the High Court complex, others headed for the old Governor’s Office area and entered the Government House from the rear.
    A close aide to Fayose called Abiola was arrested at Fajuyi area and he is now being detained at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Section at the police headquarters in Ado Ekiti.
    Reporters sighted Abiola as he was being dragged by the police to the CID section.

  • Ekiti must grow beyond stomach infrastructure, says Buhari

    •Senators, others dump PDP for APC

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday urged the people of Ekiti State to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election.

    He said the people of the Fountain of Knowledge should not allow themselves to be insulted by the stomach infrastructure policy being promoted by Governor Ayo Fayose.

    The nation’s number one citizen said Ekiti should grow beyond stomach infrastructure vote APC to enjoy god governance, development, better standard of living and infrastructure development.

    He expressed regrets that many politicians have been capitalising on the herdsmen crisis in some parts of the country accusing him of not doing anything because he is Fulani.

    Describing the allegation as a “cheap blackmail,” Buhari said protection of life and property of Nigerians is paramount to him noting that measures are being taken to put an end to the herdsmen’s onslaught.

    Buhari spoke on Tuesday at the grand finale governorship rally held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, where APC national leaders and governors canvassed for votes for the flag bearer, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

    The President described Fayemi as competent, capable and experienced enough to be elected governor again noting that the APC flag bearer served excellently well as Minister of Mines and Steel Development.

    He said Ekiti get its fair share of resources and projects from the Federal Government despite the political difference between the government at the centre and state government.

    Joining Buhari at the rally are Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; Governors Abdulazeez Yari (Zamfara), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Umaru Al Makura (Nasarawa) and Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki represented by his deputy, Philip Shaibu.

    Ministers who attended the rally include Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation), Babatunde Fashola (Power, Works and Housing), Chris Ngige (Labour and Employment), Ogbonnaya Onu (Science and Technology), Adebayo Shittu (Communications) and Abdulrahman Danbazzau (Interior).

    Thousands of residents defied Fayose’s order to stay at home and thronged the stadium to welcome the President who first paid courtesy visit to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe and other traditional ruler at the palace.

    Commercial activities were going on at the city’s main markets while many commercial drivers and motorcycle riders plied their trade on the major roads.

    Buhari, whose helicopter touched down at about 12.35 pm at Christ’s School sports field headed to the Ewi’s Palace where the monarchs were waiting to receive him.

    At the palace, Oba Adejugbe, advocated for creation of cottage industries in Ekiti to generate jobs for the unemployed. He urged Fayemi to do more for the people if he wins the poll and is sworn in again.

    At the stadium, Buhari said Ekiti people are dear to him which explained why many indigenes of the state got very important appointments in his administration including the most senior military officer in the land, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin.

    The President said he and his party have not only come to campaign for the votes of Ekiti people but to key in to the change agenda and vote APC.

    He disclosed that the APC-led Federal Government has carried out laudable projects including construction and rehabilitation of 13 federal roads including Ikole-Omuo Road, Efon Alaaye-Iwaraja Road, Ido-Ifaki Road, Ado-Ifaki Road, Ila-Ilale-Ekan-Otun Road and internal roads at Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).

    Buhari said his administration also awarded contract for a Federal Secretariat which is under construction in Ekiti to ensure that federal civil servants have office accommodation.

    He noted that a National Housing Project to provide accommodation for residents was extended to Ekiti State by his administration which has also generated jobs for local artisans.

    The President further explained that thousands of Ekiti residents benefited from the social investment programmes of his administration including Npower for youths, School Feeding for primary school pupils, Conditional Cash Transfer and several tranches of bailout funds.

    Urging Ekiti electorate to vote Fayemi, Buhari said: “Don’t allow yourself to be blackmailed by stomach infrastructure, your future is in your hand, you must grow beyond stomach infrastructure.

    “Ekiti should do the right thing by voting APC and commence the journey to reclaim your land and restore your values.

    “I recommend Fayemi to you, he served as Minister of Mines and Steel

    Development, he is experienced. Don’t waste your vote, vote Dr. Kayode Fayemi.”

    APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, urged Ekiti voters to elect Fayemi and reject PDP which he accused of inflicting hardship of non-payment of salaries on civil servants, teachers and local government workers.

    Oshiomhole accused Fayose of pocketing the over N20 billion bailout funds given to him by the Buhari administration to pay arrears of workers’ salaries and dancing “kurukere” when workers are suffering.

    He disclosed that he held a meeting with labour unions in Ekiti on Monday where he gave a commitment that Fayemi would pay all the outstanding arrears owed by Fayose to give relief to workers.

    Oshiomhole said: “I have served as a guarantor that Fayemi will pay the arrears of workers’ salaries when elected and he will ensure that all Ekiti people get what is due to them.

    “Four years ago, I was a sitting governor of Edo State and I wanted to come and campaign for Fayemi in the 2014 election but the PDP made sure that I did not have the opportunity to come and campaign for the then incumbent Fayemi.

    “Mr. President, we thank you and we know that you will not do the same, we are not here for revenge. Fayose has been trying to divert attention, he abused INEC, Police and he is behaving like a typical armed robber.

    “Fayose has resorted to very primitive tactics, he gave unlawful order that all shops be closed and manipulated drivers not to bring out their vehicles to convey people here.

    “This boy (Fayose) is a poor student of student thuggery; nothing, absolutely nothing can stop people that are determined. The President is proud that you defied his tactics and came here today.

    “You will vote freely and fairly and nothing will happen. Whoever Fayose demotes, Fayemi will promote him and whoever Fayose dismisses, Fayemi will reinstate.

    “All of you go to your polling units with your PVCs and by Saturday, Fayose will cry.”

    APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu urged Ekiti electorate to reject the PDP which he described as a “party of looters.”

    Tinubu described APC as a pain killer that will put an end to the pains being experienced by Ekiti people and Nigerians at large.

    He said Buhari built three refineries for Nigeria but the PDP government dismantled and sold them off leaving Nigerians to suffer.

    Tinubu said: “They (PDP) stole all the money, what do you have left in the treasury? PDP is a party of destruction, it is Poverty Development Party.

    “When they stole your money, they stole your life, they stole your future. APC is here to rebuild what has been destroyed. We thank God for the party under the leadership of our Baba, President Buhari.

    “APC is the pain killer, my mama used to give me APC when I was young.

    When you vote APC, you are voting for future, you are voting for the sake of your children.

    “It is not for the sake of Kayode (Fayemi), he had an appointment in Abuja but he has come back to serve you. If you want Ekiti to look like Lagos, to witness development and have your children in schools, vote APC.

    “Don’t let anybody intimidate you, you will be protected, nobody can intimidate you. If you want to eat the seed inside palm kernel, it will not be easy/

    “You can’t sleep at home and be expecting power, nobody serves it in a restaurant. No matter the level of their lies, propaganda and intimidation, fear has gripped them.

    “Vote and stand by your vote, it will not be like that of 2014. It is your turn to get your government for your good and progress, go there on Saturday and vote APC.”

    Fayemi promised return of good governance to Ekiti if the people of the state elect him. He commended the people for trooping out in large numbers for the rally to welcome the President.

    He said the party is united after the primary noting that all governorship aspirants who contested for the party’s ticket with him are resolute to ensure victory for the party.

    Fayemi said: “During my time, there is no community that did not benefit from our government. If we did not construct your road, we built your school, if we did not build your school, we constructed palace for your Kabiyesi, if we did not build palace for your Kabiyesi, we fixed your drains.

    “We did all that, we did not owe workers a single Naira; we paid the elderly, we paid free WAEC, NECO, JAMB, NABTEB fees. We increased workers salaries (minimum wage) from N8,500 to N13,000 and then to N19,000.

    “We were the first to pay Rural Teachers Allowance in Nigeria, Core Teachers Allowance. I am running on a track record of service in all constituencies, there is no single community that did not benefit from our (first) tenure.

    “Why am I back? President did not sack me (as minister). My people need me for reclaiming your land and restoring our values. Your PVCs must be ready because the power of the people is greater than the people in power.”

    Chairman of APC National Campaign Council for Ekiti State governorship election, Kebbi State Governor Bagudu said the magnitude of crowd that thronged the stadium was a pointer to an APC victory on Saturday.

    Bagudu said Ekiti has the best potential to develop under Fayemi noting that Ekiti people appreciated what he did during his first tenure.

    “Go to your polling units on Saturday and vote APC; guard your votes, don’t be intimidated. President Buhari has assured that security will be provided and your votes will count,” Bagudu said.

    Yari, who is also the Chairman of Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF) said Fayose held its rally on the streets last week because he was afraid of an empty stadium.

     

  • Fayose condemns ‘blockade’ of Ekiti Govt House

    •APC filled stadium with ‘hired’ crowd

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose yesterday accused the Federal Government of blocking the gate of the Ekiti State Government House with security forces.

    Riot policemen prevented vehicles from going in and out of the Government House, but allowed pedestrians to gain access into the facility.

    Drivers’ union members had dropped their vehicles at the Government House, as directed by Fayose Monday night where an all-night party held till Tuesday despite the heavy deployment of security men.

    But pedestrians were allowed to go in with many going to join the Ekiti drivers unions who assembled at the government house since Monday night.

    A musician was on the band stand to entertain the commercial drivers and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members on ground.

    Fayose also mocked the APC final rally held same day, accusing the party of importing outsiders from neighbouring states to fill the stadium.

    Addressing the crowd at the party, Fayose criticised the Federal Government for blocking the gates of the Government House with battle-ready riot policemen.

    The Ekiti governor described the development as “an abnormality”. He thanked his supporters for shaming the APC-led Federal Government by appearing at the Government House, despite the security presence.

    He said the presence of the crowd had proved to the APC that the masses were for him.

    Leaders of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and Pickup and Lorry drivers Association of Nigeria (PLAN) and Okada Riders Association vowed to vote for the PDP candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, in Saturday’s governorship election.

    Fayose said: “It is an abnormality to block the gates of the Government House.

    “If they say I gave instruction to drivers unions to withdraw their services, let the APC give a counter-instruction to them, if they are popular.

    “They (security agencies) blocked gates of the Government House, because they don’t want people to come in. But, you shamed them by still coming.

    “They brought them from Ondo, Kogi, Osun and other neighbouring states; they are all foreigners. They have no voting strength.

    “I will stand up to you (APC) in the election; we will match them bumper-to-bumper.”

    Fayose also berated the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for questioning the PhD degree of Olusola at the party’s mega rally in Ado-Ekiti.

    He advised Oshiomhole to ask the President to tender his certificate to Nigeria first before he could raise an issue about others.

    “The President was asked to tender his certificate, he hired Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN). They said it was enough for him to present tissue paper as certificate; that’s why he is not performing.”

  • Fayemi: Is a new dawn imminent in Ekiti?

    In this piece, Prince Diran Aladesanmi examines the issues that will shape next Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State.

    When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. You cannot have your cake and eat it and it is only possible to give what you have. A common slogan says that the journey of a thousand kilometers starts with a step and that exceptionally important step was displayed at the recently concluded APC party primary in Ekiti, which led to the emergence of Dr Kayode Fayemi as the flag bearer for the 2018 Ekiti gubernatorial election slated for July 14. Ekiti people as a matter of urgency and conviction must cultivate the mindset that greatness is not given but earned and earning this all important virtue requires commitment and doggedness.

    In contemporary Nigeria politics, people tends to assume the confidence that political actors in the forefront of seeking various political offices  through people’s vote, most of the time, end up not having anything to offer in return for such votes. Be that as it may and as tenable as this assertion is of some politicians, there are still handful of personalities in the political terrain, who are apostle of virtue of integrity and by sheer courage and commitment to a just cause, have shown that they are promise keepers, when it comes to fulfilling electioneering campaign promises made to the electorates. This class of people have exhibited overtime, the stuff they are made of by excelling in various responsibilities thrust upon them in the past and are still eager of contributing more to national development in any capacity they might find themselves.  John Kayode Fayemi, an amiable grass-root person, a dogged fighter of the right of common man, a role model that transcend party politics, a statesman of an unequalled dexterity for excellence and an accomplished administrator, no doubt belong to this class of politician.

    The good people of Ekiti at home and in diaspora know and will always give credence to what this patriot and highly principled man whose word is his bound can offer in terms of bringing dividends of democracy and succor to his fellow citizens through unparalleled good stewardship. Dr Fayemi may be seen by some as a controversial politician perhaps due to his fearlessness on issues that touch on the destiny of our dear Ekiti State, however, majority and well-  meaning citizens of the state see him as a no- nonsense personality who is always at the vanguard of the masses welfare .He is that politician who is ever ready to put his life on the line for the common good of the under-privileged Ekiti person majority of who have been enslaved for the in the last few years by a crude system of government holding the jugular of the  state.

    Fayemi, in his characteristic manner believed that the time might be hard and despairing, the challenge must be a springboard upon which to erect a new super structure for Ekiti. According to JKF, our common-wealth and resources might have been wantonly depleted before now, but there are more latent human and material resources waiting to be harness and husbanded by putting them into better use for the general good of all in Ekiti. Furthermore, this quintessential politician of unquestionable pedigree when the issue of good governance is involved continue unabated to opine at all available fora, that the resilience of the Ekiti people, their bustling energies and peerless creativity portend a glorious future given the right leadership. Now that the coast is cleared and the vessel is set to navigate to a safe harbor, a man with requisite credentials when it comes to political re-engineering and ingenuity like Fayemi is the only way out of the current doldron we find ourselves in Ekiti State. This is the time to jettison pre-modial sentiments by giving our unwavering support to a tested and trusted personality to pilot the affairs of our great state to the next level of sustainable development in all its ramification. This is also the time to be prepared to take our destiny in our own hands by standing behind the candidacy of Dr Fayemi, who is at all times prepared to serve the aggregate interest of all and sundry in Ekiti State.

    Over time, Ekiti has suffered in the hands of individuals who get to power for selfish agenda rather than the common good of the majority. The current economic retrogression, political rascality and lingering state of insecurity in the land with its attendant ills cannot be allowed to continue to ravage our hope of a state where things work for the overall interest of all and sundry. John Kayode Fayemi a political icon with an unblemished record for transparency and good stewardship will correct all these anomalies if given the mandate to once again take the driver seat as far as governance in Ekiti is concern.

    For every ending, there is a new beginning and for every memory, there is a dream ahead. According to Fayemi, confronting the current drift and stagnation in Ekiti State socio-political and economic fronts requires a proper leadership armed with an appreciable discipline, prudence and a strong political will. Someone who will put an end to the prevailing idleness and endemic system collapse characterised by corruption of all shades and impunity bedeviling us as a state. In the words of the Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, “It is far more dignified to confront the creatures of hell than exist in a fool’s paradise.” There is therefore the need for all of us in Ekiti to wake up from our slumber by putting square pegs in square holes through our votes for Fayemi on the 14th day of July 2018 with the sole aim of heralding the Ekiti of our collective dream.

    Fayemi, a personality familiar with dynamics of leadership, whose passion for excellence remains unequalled in the annals of government business in Nigeria and beyond , a prudent manager of men and resources, an astute technocrat of impeccable records of accomplishment remains a character who is very willing and adequately prepared to put in place in his second coming as Governor of Ekiti State the foundation of an enduring democratic process that is devoid of temporary show of excitement and manipulation of an over-articulate section of the elites and its captive audience at the expense of the majority. This rare gem and a great son of Ekiti had repeatedly said that he would want to live the rest of his life for history by means of beneficent and selfless service to humanity in general and to the good people of Ekiti state in particular. This is a rare feat. JKF, a man of his words meant every bit of that statement.  He remain a political figure that have over the years exemplify excellence and transparency in both his public and private life. A man whose value for diligence, hard work, vision and focus leadership is legendary. Little wonder that he is been referred to as a man with the Midas touch by his admires as whatever he touches always translate to resounding success.

    Good people of Ekiti, another golden opportunity is staring us in the face at the forth-coming gubernatorial election and we as citizen of this great state must grab it with both hands. Let us pick the gullet and hit the ground running knowing fully well that a statesman of note like Fayemi can once again make things work in Ekiti. For the labour of our heroes past not to be in vain, our unalloyed support for JKF at the poll next month is not negotiable. Fayemi a rare breed with an uncommon zeal to make Ekiti State a model among its peers, has always and unequivocally maintained at different fora that, for the state to attain its fully potentials, there is need for dynamic, visionary, pragmatic, experienced and purposeful leadership in order to consolidate on recorded gains and decisively chart the course for tackling contemporary challenges of renewable and sustainable development. This in all modesty is the propelling factor of JKF incursion into partisan politics and has thus fired his imagination to serve.

    To fix the despairing state of affairs in our dear Ekiti state, positive leadership based on skill and experience with consideration for balance remain the best potion and the only way out. With Kayode Fayemi leadership endowment, amiability as well as Ekiti electorates unflitching support for this man of destiny at the gubernatorial poll in July, the sky will not only be the limit but also the beginning for complete restoration of hope for all Ekiti. While this un-relented promoter of quality leadership by example is eager to set in motion agenda for unfettered economic development restoration and broadly shared prosperity as against the current trend of enriching very few privileged ones at the expense of the majority, it is also expected  that  Ekiti electorates give their total support and have abiding faith in John Kayode Fayemi leadership ability and approach to governance for the attainment of our desired goal of being one of the most developed state in Nigeria.

    At this point of our history as a state and to actualise the goals set by our founding fathers, launching into the future with a renewed vigor and hope to secure a better tomorrow should inform our political decisions in Ekiti State. Fayemi, a leader who loathes timorousness, vanity, sloth and dissipation but cherishes the virtue of intrepidity, charity, integrity and above all, an advocate of an egalitarian society remains out best bet and right potion that can guarantee a roboust socio-political and economic prosperity for Ekiti.  Finally, Ekiti electorates are advised to make their choice of candidate for the exalted office of the Executive Governor of Ekiti State at the poll in July 2018 through achievable manifestos, altruism of the candidates based on their antecedent and character both in public and private domain over the years as well as experience on the job thus saving Ekiti people bitter experience of the past when elected officials use people’s mandate given to them for self-aggrandizement.

    A vote for Fayemi at the poll next month is a vote for progress, purposeful, dynamic, people oriented leadership, human and infrastructural development as well as prudence and accountability in the affairs of our dear Ekiti State. As election in Ekiti beckons, we wish ourselves the very best by electing through our votes John Kayode Fayemi as the Executive Governor of Ekiti State so as to turn the state’s despair to hope, melancholy to victory, lack to abundance, defeat to triumph and greed to selflessness.

     

  • Fayose condemns ‘blockade’ of Ekiti govt house

    Says APC filled stadium with ‘hired’ crowd

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has accused the Federal Government of blocking the gate of the Ekiti State Government House with security forces on Tuesday.

    Riot policemen prevented vehicles from going in and out of the Government House but allowed pedestrians to gain access into the facility.

    Drivers’ union members had dropped their vehicles at the Government House as directed by Fayose Monday night where an all-night party held till Tuesday despite the heavy deployment of security men.

    But pedestrians were allowed to go in with many going to join the Ekiti drivers unions who assembled at the government house since Monday night.

    A musician was on the band stand to entertain the commercial drivers and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) members on ground.

    Fayose also mocked the APC final rally held same day accusing the party of importing outsiders from neighbouring states to fill the stadium.

    Addressing the crowd at the party, Fayose criticized the Federal Government for blocking the gates of the Government House with battle-ready riot policemen.

    Read Also: Fayose faults DSS crackdown on supporters

    The Ekiti governor described the development as “an abnormality.” He thanked his supporters for shaming the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government by appearing at the Government House despite the security presence.

    According to him, the presence of the crowd had proved to the APC that the masses were for him.

    Leaders of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and Pickup and Lorry drivers Association of Nigeria (PLAN) and Okada Riders Association vowed to vote for PDP candidate, Prof. Kolapo Olusola at Saturday’s governorship election.

    He also mocked the APC final rally held same day accusing the party of importing outsiders from neighbouring states to fill the stadium.

    Fayose said: “It is an abnormality to block the gates of the Government House.

    “If they say I gave instruction to drivers unions to withdraw their services, let the APC give a counter-instruction to them if they are popular.

    “They (security agencies) blocked gates of the government house because they don’t want people to come in but you shamed them by still coming.”

    “They brought them from Ondo, Kogi, Osun and other neighboring states, they are all foreigners. They have no voting strength.

    “I will stand up to you (APC) in the election, we will match them bumper to bumper.”

    Fayose also took berated the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for questioning the PhD degree of Olusola at the party’s mega rally in Ado-Ekiti.

    He advised Oshiomhole to ask the president to tender his certificate to Nigeria first before he could raise an issue about others.

    “The president was asked to tender his certificate, he hired Senior Advocates of Nigeria. They said it was enough for him to present tissue paper as certificate, that’s why he is not performing.”

  • Ekiti 2018: Why I want to rule Ekiti again – Fayemi

    Dr Kayode Fayemi, All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Saturday election in Ekiti, on Tuesday said he wanted to rule the state again to eradicate poverty among the people.

    He stated this at APC’s final rally ahead of the election at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday.

    Fayemi, who was governor of the state from 2011 to 2015, told the crowd that his successor, Gov. Ayodele Fayose impoverished the citizens by not paying salaries and pensions.

    According to him, Fayose deliberately deprived civil servants, teachers and pensioners their eight months’ salaries, pensions and gratuity, because he wanted to punish and make them beg for money on the streets.

    He commended Ekiti people for coming out to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari contrary to the directives of the governor that nobody should come out to welcome the president to the state.

    Read also: I remain Accord candidate, says Aluko

    Fayemi, who resigned as Minister of Solid Mineral and Steel Development to contest the election, appealed to the electorate in the state to come out en masse to vote for him on Saturday.

    “I am so delighted with your determination to defy the unpopular order by Gov. Ayo Fayose that nobody should come out to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari to Ekiti.

    “It is therefore time to send Fayose and his unpopular government out of office.

    “I want you to vote for me on Saturday and show Gov. Fayose that ‎the power of Ekiti people is much greater than his power,” he said.

  • Ekiti must grow beyond stomach infrastructure – Buhari

    Says Fayemi competent to be governor

     

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday urged the people of Ekiti State to cast their votes for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Saturday’s governorship election.

    He said the people of the Fountain of Knowledge should not allow themselves to be insulted by the stomach infrastructure policy being promoted by Governor Ayo Fayose.

    The nation’s number one citizen said Ekiti should grow beyond stomach infrastructure vote APC to enjoy god governance, development, better standard of living and infrastructure development.

    He expressed regrets that many politicians have been capitalizing on the herdsmen crisis in some parts of the country accusing him of not doing anything because he is Fulani.

    Describing the allegation as a “cheap blackmail,” Buhari said protection of life and property of Nigerians is paramount to him noting that measures are being taken to put an end to the herdsmen’s onslaught.

    Buhari spoke on Tuesday at the grand finale governorship rally held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, where APC national leaders and governors canvassed for votes for the flag bearer, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

    The President described Fayemi as competent, capable and experienced enough to be elected governor again noting that the APC flag bearer served excellently well as Minister of Mines and Steel Development.

    He said Ekiti get its fair share of resources and projects from the Federal Government despite the political difference between the government at the centre and state government.

    Joining Buhari at the rally are Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; Governors Abdulazeez Yari (Zamfara), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger), Yahaya Bello (Kogi), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Umaru Al Makura (Nasarawa) and Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki represented by his deputy, Philip Shaibu.

    Ministers who attended the rally include Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation), Babatunde Fashola (Power, Works and Housing), Chris Ngige (Labour and Employment), Ogbonnaya Onu (Science and Technology), Adebayo Shittu (Communications) and Abdulrahman Danbazzau (Interior).

    Thousands of residents defied Fayose’s order to stay at home and thronged the stadium to welcome the President who first paid courtesy visit to the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe and other traditional ruler at the palace.

    Commercial activities were going on at the city’s main markets while many commercial drivers and motorcycle riders plied their trade on the major roads.

    Buhari, whose helicopter touched down at about 12.35 pm at Christ’s School sports field headed to the Ewi’s Palace where the monarchs were waiting to receive him.

    Read Also: Ekiti residents defy Fayose’s order to stay at home

    At the palace, Oba Adejugbe, advocated for creation of cottage industries in Ekiti to generate jobs for the unemployed. He urged Fayemi to do more for the people if he wins the poll and is sworn in again.

    At the stadium, Buhari said Ekiti people are dear to him which explained why many indigenes of the state got very important appointments in his administration including the most senior military officer in the land, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin.

    The President said he and his party have not only come to campaign for the votes of Ekiti people but to key in to the change agenda and vote APC.

    He disclosed that the APC-led Federal Government has carried out laudable projects including construction and rehabilitation of 13 federal roads including Ikole-Omuo Road, Efon Alaaye-Iwaraja Road, Ido-Ifaki Road, Ado-Ifaki Road, Ila-Ilale-Ekan-Otun Road and internal roads at Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE).

    Buhari said his administration also awarded contract for a Federal Secretariat which is under construction in Ekiti to ensure that federal civil servants have office accommodation.

    He noted that a National Housing Project to provide accommodation for residents was extended to Ekiti State by his administration which has also generated jobs for local artisans.

    The President further explained that thousands of Ekiti residents benefited from the social investment programmes of his administration including Npower for youths, School Feeding for primary school pupils, Conditional Cash Transfer and several tranches of bailout funds.

    Urging Ekiti electorate to vote Fayemi, Buhari said: “Don’t allow yourself to be blackmailed by stomach infrastructure; your future is in your hand, you must grow beyond stomach infrastructure.

    “Ekiti should do the right thing by voting APC and commence the journey to reclaim your land and restore your values.

    “I recommend Fayemi to you, he served as Minister of Mines and Steel Development, he is experienced. Don’t waste your vote, vote Dr. Kayode Fayemi.”

    APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, urged Ekiti voters to elect Fayemi and reject PDP which he accused of inflicting hardship of non-payment of salaries on civil servants, teachers and local government workers.

    Oshiomhole accused Fayose of pocketing the over N20 billion bailout funds given to him by the Buhari administration to pay arrears of workers’ salaries and dancing “kurukere” when workers are suffering.

    He disclosed that he held a meeting with labour unions in Ekiti on Monday where he gave a commitment that Fayemi would pay all the outstanding arrears owed by Fayose to give relief to workers

    Oshiomhole said: “I have served as a guarantor that Fayemi will pay the arrears of workers’ salaries when elected and he will ensure that all Ekiti people get what is due to them.

    “Four years ago, I was a sitting governor of Edo State and I wanted to come and campaign for Fayemi in the 2014 election but the PDP made sure that I did not have the opportunity to come and campaign for the then incumbent Fayemi.

    “Mr. President, we thank you and we know that you will not do the same, we are not here for revenge. Fayose has been trying to divert attention, he abused INEC, Police and he is behaving like a typical armed robber.

    “Fayose has resorted to very primitive tactics, he gave unlawful order that all shops be closed and manipulated drivers not to bring out their vehicles to convey people here.

    “This boy (Fayose) is a poor student of thuggery; nothing, absolutely nothing can stop people that are determined. The President is proud that you defied his tactics and came here today.

    “You will vote freely and fairly and nothing will happen. Whoever Fayose demotes, Fayemi will promote him and whoever Fayose dismisses, Fayemi will reinstate.

    “All of you go to your polling units with your PVCs and by Saturday, Fayose will cry.”

    APC National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu urged Ekiti electorate to reject the PDP which he described as a “party of looters.”

    Tinubu described APC as a pain killer that will put an end to the pains being experienced by Ekiti people and Nigerians at large.

    He said Buhari built three refineries for Nigeria but the PDP government dismantled and sold them off leaving Nigerians to suffer.

    Tinubu said: “They (PDP) stole all the money, what do you have left in the treasury? PDP is a party of destruction, it is Poverty Development Party.

    Read Also: Photos: Ekiti APC governorship rally

    “When they stole your money, they stole your life, they stole your future. APC is here to rebuild what has been destroyed. We thank God for the party under the leadership of our Baba, President Buhari.

    “APC is the pain killer, my mama used to give me APC when I was young. When you vote APC, you are voting for future, you are voting for the sake of your children.

    “It is not for the sake of Kayode (Fayemi), he had an appointment in Abuja but he has come back to serve you. If you want Ekiti to look like Lagos, to witness development and have your children in schools, vote APC.

    “Don’t let anybody intimidate you, you will be protected, nobody can intimidate you. If you want to eat the seed inside palm kernel, it will not be easy/

    “You can’t sleep at home and be expecting power, nobody serves it in a restaurant. No matter the level of their lies, propaganda and intimidation, fear has gripped them.

    “Vote and stand by your vote, it will not be like that of 2014. It is your turn to get your government for your good and progress, go there on Saturday and vote APC.”

    Fayemi promised return of good governance to Ekiti if the people of the state elect him. He commended the people for trooping out in large numbers for the rally to welcome the President.

    He said the party is united after the primary noting that all governorship aspirants who contested for the party’s ticket with him are resolute to ensure victory for the party.

    Fayemi said: “During my time, there is no community that did not benefit from our government. If we did not construct your road, we built your school, if we did not build your school, we constructed palace for your Kabiyesi, if we did not build palace for your Kabiyesi, we fixed your drains.

    “We did all that, we did not owe workers a single Naira; we paid the elderly, we paid free WAEC, NECO, JAMB, NABTEB fees. We increased workers salaries (minimum wage) from N8,500 to N13,000 and then to N19,000.

    “We were the first to pay Rural Teachers Allowance in Nigeria, Core Teachers Allowance. I am running on a track record of service in all constituencies, there is no single community that did not benefit from our (first) tenure.

    “Why am I back? President did not sack me (as minister). My people need me for reclaiming your land and restoring our values. Your PVCs must be ready because the power of the people is greater than the people in power.”

    Chairman of APC National Campaign Council for Ekiti State governorship election, Kebbi State Governor Bagudu said the magnitude of crowd that thronged the stadium was a pointer to an APC victory on Saturday.

    Bagudu said Ekiti has the best potential to develop under Fayemi noting that Ekiti people appreciated what he did during his first tenure.

    “Go to your polling units on Saturday and vote APC; guard your votes, don’t be intimidated. President Buhari has assured that security will be provided and your votes will count,” Bagudu said.

    Yari, who is also the Chairman of Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF) said Fayose held its rally on the streets last week because he was afraid of an empty stadium.

    Yari said Fayemi has done it before and he will do it again urging residents to troop out in large numbers to vote Fayemi.

    Other governors who spoke at the rally include Akeredolu, Bello, Aregbesola, Ajimobi and Amosun.

    The Senator representing Ekiti Central, Mrs. Fatimat Raji Rasaki led other PDP members into the APC. She described the PDP as a party of retrogression, anti-people and anti-progressive party.

    Other PDP chieftains officially received into APC are House of Representatives member representing Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 2, Mr. Olamide Oni; House of Assemby member representing Ikere Constituency 2, Mr. Sunday Akinniyi; House of Assembly member representing Ise/Orun Constituency, Mr. Adeniran Alagbada; immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Owoseni Ajayi; immediate past Chairman of Ekiti East Local Government, Mr. Samuel Adekunle.

    Ex-Attorney General Ajayi accused Fayose of running a selfish government which has lost focus and popularity among the people.

    Former Minister of State for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye said more than half of PDP leaders and members in Ekiti State have left the umbrella party saying “PDP will be buried on Saturday.”