The Nation Newspaper

Category: Ekiti 2018

  • Ekiti: Oshiomhole wants adequate security deployment

    National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomole has said enough security operatives, including the military should be deployed to Ekiti State for this weekend’s governorship election to ensure the safety of the electorates and the votes cast during the election.

    Oshiomhole said a situation where criminals will be wielding AK 47 on an election day, and the police is overwhelmed should not be allowed to occur in Ekiti state, adding that the deployment of a large number of policemen for this weekend’s governorship election in Ekiti State was necessary to ensure safety of lives during the election.

    Oshiomhole who spoke with newsmen shortly after receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright said the number of policemen deployed to the state for the conduct of the election does not matter as long as it is aimed at protecting the lives of the people.

    The Inspector General of Police has reportedly deployed about 30,000 policemen to Ekiti State for the conduct of the election, but Oshiomhole said there was nothing wrong in the deployment, adding that for an effective presence and performance both army and police were needed in the state.

    He said that experience has shown that sometimes, such figures of deployment are announced, while the actual presence on Election Day will be a far cry from the announced deployment.

    Read Also: Fayemi warns troublemakers to leave Ekiti

    “Whether they should use the military or not use the military, I don’t think you want to argue that. Over the years since 2003, 1999, the armed forces have always been deployed.

    “Don’t forget that when I was in Edo state, I told people that I want the armed forces to be involved in the election because the rigging machine is serviced by criminals who are hardened and who are often hired. Now if you have criminals wielding AK 47 on an election day, and the police is overwhelmed you want to say the army should not be deployed?

    “We shouldn’t worry about who we deploy. I think we should all pray that however people are deployed that in the end we are not counting dead bodies.

    “My experience in Edo is that you will hear stories like so so number of people deployed. In the end, you will find no police men. I have seen that in Edo. The important thing is that regardless of what the  police chooses to do, regardless of the number they choose to deploy, let us ensure that those who are going to vote are safe and that the votes cast are secure.

    “Whatever number they need to secure the lives of those who are going to vote to create that sense of security for people to move freely to vote for candidates of their choice, I don’t think we should dictate to the Inspector General of Police how many people he wants to deploy” he said.

    The APC National Chairman also appreciated the British government for their support in promoting democracy in Nigeria, assuring that he would do everything to ensure a free and fair process in the Ekiti governorship election.

    “For the process is more important than the outcome because we are looking at the Nigeria project in terms of sustaining democracy not the survival of a particular political aspirant whether it is on my party platform or in the platform of the opposition” he said.

    In his remarks, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright said his country is interested in Nigeria’s democracy added that they intend to send observers for the election to ensure it is free and fair.

    “The British High Commission will be sending a team there to observe the election and to ensure that they go smoothly, to ensure that INEC can do its job, that the security forces do their job and basically to ensure that the people of Ekiti state are allowed to freely express their opinion, to vote along with their conscience and to be able to do so in peaceful manner” Arkwright said.

  • Ekiti 2018: Uproar as party supporters disrupt INEC stakeholders’ meeting

    IGP, INEC boss, monarchs watch show of shame

    A stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the governorship election in Ekiti State ended abruptly as it was disrupted by party supporters.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, traditional rulers, diplomats and other dignitaries watched the show of shame in disbelief.

    Governorship candidates, party leaders, traditional rulers and other dignitaries left the venue amidst a charged atmosphere as party faithful, mainly People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) members shouted at one another.

    The parley which was held at Great Eagle Hall, Ikere Road, Ajebamidele, Ado-Ekiti, went on smoothly until organizers invited comments and questions from party representatives.

    The row was sparked by comments made by the PDP representative, Dr. Samuel Omotoso, who raised concerns over alleged attacks and arrest of members of his party in some communities in Oye Local Government Area.

    Omotoso, member of the House of Assembly, accused the APC candidate, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, of boasting that he would be declared winner the Saturday’s poll “whether he loses or not.”

    He also accused security agencies of partisanship in the build-up to the election which he said would not provide an atmosphere for a free and fair election.

    The lawmaker’s refusal to adhere to the two minutes allotted angered supporters of other parties, especially the APC faithful who became restive with the constant mentioning their candidate’s name by Omotoso.

    The audience, who wanted representatives of other parties and other stakeholders to be given the chance to address the gathering, urged organizers to stop Omotoso for using more than the time allocated.

    Read Also: INEC registers 10m new voters

    Apparently uncomfortable with the allegation against Fayemi, the APC members raised their voices to shout Omotoso down but the PDP members responded by chanting their party slogan.

    The PDP members who appeared to outnumber their APC counterparts inside the hall surged forward and started shouting “Eleka Ibo,” “Eleka Ibo” hailing their candidate who is also the Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.

    As the PDP members surged forward, policemen and other security operatives inside the hall formed a ring around the high table where Yakubu, Idris and other dignitaries sat.

    As the party members’ unruly behavior continued, the Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Obas who is also the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju took over the microphone and urged party members to be orderly.

    They defied the monarch and continued the row but the candidates led by left the hall one after the other leaving only PDP members who continued their shouting.

    First to leave was the Mega Party of Nigeria (MPN) candidate, Chief Adebisi Omoyeni who was followed by Accord candidate, Chief Abiodun Aluko, Labour Party (LP) candidate, Dr. Sikiru Lawal, Fayemi, Olusola and others.

    Earlier, the IGP Idris disclosed that a total number of 4, 390 combined forces of soldiers and other paramilitary will be deployed to complement the 30,000 policemen that have been drafted to Ekiti to monitor the election.

    Idris added that Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations), an Assistant Inspector General of Police and five Commissioners of police will be in charge to give directive and ensure that the election is conducted under conducive atmosphere.

    The nation’s police chief warned political leaders and their supporters to refrain from arming thugs, saying whoever arrested will be prosecuted in line with the rule of law and laws guiding the conduct of elections.

    Idris said: “We want all party supporters to refrain from all acts that can precipitate violence at the polling booths such as canvassing for votes, wearing of party insignias, dissuading voters from voting for candidates of their choices, loitering and blaring of siren on the day of election.

    “We will also not tolerate ignoring of restriction of movement orders by the police. Don’t see election as a matter of life and death.

    “Let me state that police will not hesitate to deal with anybody no matter how highly placed found flouting electoral laws.

    “Let me call for the collaboration and support of the entire sister agencies and the INEC officials. Police officers have been warned to be of good conduct during and after the election.

    “If you notice any misconduct on the part of any police, do not hesitate to report to the senior officers on the ground or contact me directly.”

    INEC boss Yakubu said the commission decided to distribute the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to the ward level to motivate the electorate to collect to be able to exercise their franchise rights.

    He said: “For transparency, all uncollected PVCs will be brought to INEC office in Ado Ekiti and warehoused for safe keeping until a new date is fixed to resume the PVC collection.

    “However, since the Anambra State Governorship election held in November 2017, we have introduced an additional measure of transparency.

    “I wish to reassure that our officials are under strict instruction to remain neutral. We have also accredited credible foreign and local observers to monitor this election.

    “We are confident that with the arrangements we have put in place, Ekiti State Governorship election will be another good example of free, fair, credible and peaceful election and a further affirmation of the maturity of our democracy.”

    Also affirming that the election will be credible, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti, Prof AbdulGaniy Raji, said a total of 913, 334 have been registered by the commission out of which 667,064 had collected their PVCs.

    Raji said the commission still has a total of 246,270 unclaimed PVCs that were yet to be collected by owners.

  • Averting violence in Ekiti poll

    Ekiti State elders under the aegis of Igbimo Ure Ekiti (IUE), led by frontline pharmacist Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, reflect on the preparations for next Saturday’s governorship election and advise stakeholders, including federal and state governments, political parties, the electoral umpire and the electorate, to play by the rules and avoid rigging and other unruly behaviours that could spark off violence before, during and after the exercise.

    Igbimo Ure Ekiti (IUE) is a consultative body of eminent elders and leaders of Ekiti State from within and outside Nigeria. IUE has no political affiliation. Our mission is to provide thought leadership and direction for our people on matters pertaining to the overall interest and development of Ekiti State. We leverage on the robust intellectual endowment, the various and overwhelming experience of our members in the different disciplines, professions, vocations and businesses, as well as the unique homogeneity of our people in Ekiti State, to optimally harness the resources in the State, in order to achieve a politically stable, economically viable and peaceful environment for the betterment and progress of Ekiti people.

    As members of this body both individually and collectively, we continue to monitor the build-up of events leading to the governorship election scheduled for Saturday July 14th, 2018. We are seriously concerned for the peace and safety of the sons and daughters of Ekiti State. We are mindful of the demonstrated desperation erupting from some of the participants in the on-going electoral process in the State. For instance, while the opposition believes that they are unstoppable in their quest to capture power and that they will stop at nothing to achieve this, the party in power on the other hand believes that it is immovable. Therein lies the danger unless something decisive is done by the well-meaning members of Ekiti State and by those that are directly involved in organising and conducting the election. There is also the issue of maintenance of law and order to ensure a free, fair and transparent process to guarantee that the will of the people prevails at the end of the election. We can’t stand idly by while all this is going on. As Edmund Burke (1729-1797), the Anglo-Irish statesman, author, philosopher, politician, orator and political theorist observed, The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

    The overriding purpose of this press conference therefore is to say No to rigging. No to violence. No to thuggery. No to killing. No to arson. No to ballot-box snatching and no to vandalism. On the other hand, we say with unity of purpose; yes, to one man, one vote, Yes to orderliness, yes to the spirit of sportsmanship and yes to peace and tranquillity. This is the purpose of this conference.

    The strategic gains of a peaceful, free, fair, and transparent election, where the choice of the electorate is supreme cannot be over emphasized. The fact that the ultimate sovereignty lies with the people can also not be over-emphasized. If democracy in the words of Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865 an American statesman, lawyer & 16th President of the United States of America) is the government of the people, by the people, and for the people, it means therefore that the people are the centre piece of democracy. The need for the safety and security of the people must be of paramount concern to the political players. For us a as a people and in particular members of Igbimo Ure Ekiti (IUE) we must protect the safety and security of our people in our land.

    We wish to recall that between 2007 and 2010, the Gubernatorial election and the re-run that followed upon the Court Order was characterised by killing, destruction of valuable assets, fear and trepidation among Ekiti State residents. No one will forget in a hurry, the Ido Osi tragedy, the Oye skirmishes, and the inconsistencies of Madam Ayoka Adebayo, the then Ekiti State Electoral Commissioner.

    We also wish to recall the effort of this body before, during, and after the 2014 election between the then governor Dr Kayode Fayemi and Mr Ayodele Fayose. IUE spent considerable resources of its own to embark on political education through interactive meetings with leaders of various Political Parties, Traditional Rulers, the Security Agencies including but not limited to the Police, the Department of State Security and others. We made repeated and sustained appeals to the citizens of the State, not only during the meetings, but also through the electronic and print media. This was in addition to enlisting the support of our Traditional Rulers and Religious Leaders all in a bid to ensure peaceful, fair, and free election. Because of these efforts by us and other well-meaning organisations and individuals of the State, the 2014 election witnessed less tension and atrocious events.

    We recognise with serious anxiety, the tension that has enveloped the State as the date of the election approaches. Shootings, hate speeches and talking tough appear to be the order of the day across all the political divide and more particularly, the two major parties. IUE wishes to appeal to all the stakeholders including but not limited to the Government at the centre, the State Government as well as the Security Agencies to please allow Ekiti State’s electorate elect their own Governor under a free and fair atmosphere in the interest of peace and stability of the State in particular and also that of the nation in general.

    As a people, we must learn from history. The failure to learn from history is the reason for repeating same mistakes. We wish to recall with pain and anguish the Electoral Crisis of 1983 in the old Ondo State (comprising of the present Ondo State and Ekiti State) which occasioned loss of several lives and destruction of properties. An election was held. The National Party of Nigeria’s candidate Chief Akin Omoboriowo was declared the winner of the election, contrary to the overwhelming expectations of the electorate. The electorate felt cheated and simultaneously embarked on a large scale violent protest. Peace eluded the entire State until the Supreme Court of Nigeria declared that the election was indeed won by Chief Adekunle Ajasin of the Unity Party of Nigeria. Ekiti people regard cheating with aversion.

    In the advertisement made by IUE in the Punch newspaper of Sunday 20th of May 2018 at page 19, we made the point abundantly clear that we do not want Ekiti State to be a theatre of war in the unbridled, mad, and selfish ambition to grab power and governance of Ekiti State at any and all cost.  Igbimo Ure Ekiti (IUE) wishes to warn that there will be consequences for any politician that maybe involved in any act of violence before, during, and after the July 2018 election in the State. We believe we have the capacity not only to give this warning, but also to enforce it. We vividly remember that our forebears sacrificed life and limb to protect the integrity and fundamental values which make up the hallmark of the Ekiti people. Our own generation is not about to abandon the pursuit and sustainability of the virtues of integrity and uncommon bonding, a heritage for which Ekiti people have been known for generations.

    As for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), we shall hold the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu by his words that INEC will be transparent in their dealings, diligent in their efforts and accountable not only to the people but to all Electoral Monitoring Groups both local and international so as to ensure that the election is not only proclaimed to be free and fair but is actually seen to be free, fair, transparent and credible. We charge INEC to ensure that every vote counts and that whatever technology is deployed for the election is fool proof and beyond question. After all, there are less than 1 million registered voters in Ekiti. There are 16 local governments and the terrain is even and easily accessible. There is no doubt that the Ekiti State July 14th, 2018 election will be a litmus test and a model to the 2019 general elections. IUE expects INEC to demonstrate not only their independence, but also that they are a reliable umpire for all the contending political parties.

    We appeal to election observers from various interest groups to be totally impartial and turn in credible reports during the election.

    To the Police and other Security Agencies, we call for your vigilance, fairness and even-handedness throughout the election period. IUE commends the leadership, men and women of the security agencies for their good work in 2014. Your performance at that time must be seen as the least expected of you all in the 2018 election. With the palpable fear of the people within the State that the army may be used for this election, we call on Mr President and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammed Buhari to ensure that men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces are not involved in an electoral process that is totally, essentially and constitutionally a civil matter.

    Election is not a war. The earlier we began to instil confidence in the ability and the capacity of the Nigerian Police Force together with other civil security agencies for the prevention and detection of crime, apprehension of offenders, protection of lives and properties, preservation of law and order and due enforcement of our laws and regulations including our electoral laws, regulations and guidelines, the better for our democracy.

    To our traditional rulers, we beseech you to please continue to ensure that politicians do not invade your kingdoms to recruit thugs or import thugs to your domains. Please note that thugs are hired by desperate politicians to instil fear, cause destabilisation and trepidation among the people. As the fathers of all, please feel free to call any erring politician in your domain to order. Let us all be involved in the task of preventing violence leading to the destruction of lives and properties of our people. We urge you to resist any attempt by any political leader or leaders to recruit the youths of your domain both employed and unemployed as political thugs and hirelings during the process of this election.

    To our religious leaders, IUE covets your prayers for a very successful and violent free election.

    To the youths, it is important for you to realise that to accept to be a thug or hireling to any political leader or leaders is to destroy yourself physically, mentally and psychologically both in the present and in the future. Resist ev0ery attempt to be enticed with money and other momentary gains at the expense of your destiny. Your future is way more important.

    In conclusion, IUE wishes to State as we did before the Ekiti State 2014 Governorship election that IUE together with other stakeholders in the Ekiti State project cannot and will not stand by to watch the political class take Ekiti State back to the dark days or allow our land of honour to be turned into a theatre of war just to promote the selfish ambition of any individual or group of individuals under whatever nomenclature. No, not again and God forbid. It is our strong belief that, ceteris paribus, a peaceful, free and fair election on July 14th, 2018 is possible and attainable if all the relevant stakeholders commit themselves to this goal. We invite the media and other well-meaning organisations to join us in this drive.

     

  • Fayemi warns troublemakers to leave Ekiti

    •APC candidate to clear salary arrears in six months

    Ekiti State All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Dr. Kayode Fayemi has warned  troublemakers enlisted to cause mayhem at Saturday’s election to leave “in their own interest.”

    He vowed that any individual who plans to foment trouble and prevent eligible voters from exercising their civic rights at the poll will be arrested and made to face “the full weight of the law.”

    The APC flag bearer said intelligence report has revealed that some individuals are sewing uniforms of the Department of State Services (DSS), Army and Police to be used illegally at the election.

    Fayemi assured eligible voters of adequate and maximum security saying they should not exercise any fear and apprehension at the election.

    Fayemi’s warning came on the heels of the alleged arrival of suspected militants from one of the Niger Delta States and other hoodlums camped in secret locations ahead of the election.

    The former Minister of Mines and Steel Development said, if elected governor, he will get a moratorium of six months to clear the backlog of salaries owed workers between six and nine months.

    Fayemi, who spoke at a special interview programme on Voice 89.9 FM on Saturday monitored by our reporter said Ekiti found itself in a sorry state because of “unseriousness in governance.”

    The former governor said Governor Ayo Fayose has received many financial reliefs from President Muhammadu Buhari administration, adding he has no reason to be owing workers.

    He listed the financial lifelines to include the first tranche of bailout cash of N4 billion, the second tranche of bailout of N8.9 billion, the Paris Club refund cash twice and the Budget Support Fund of N1.3 billion for thirteen months.

    He said, he is in the race “to rescue Ekiti from its arrested development” and put an end to hardship being experienced by the people.

    Warning potential troublemakers, Fayemi said: “I want to assure prospective voters that Ekiti will be safe, it will be secure, there will be maximum security for this election.

    “Our people should go about their business in peace and they should not be threatened. They should not feel harassed by all we are hearing from those who don’t want free and fair electoral process.

    “We are aware (of this) and every information that we get, we pass it to security agencies. I will like to advise those busybodies who have found their way into Ekiti to leave our state.

    “In your interest, it is in their ultimate interest to even leave unannounced before the election because they will face very severe punishment.

    “The maximum weight of the law will be brought on their head and we will kill an ant with a sledgehammer in this election. In their own

    interest, they should just leave Ekiti because they have no business with the election in Ekiti.

    “But if you are in Ekiti legitimately you have nothing to fear. Those who are sewing DSS uniform, military uniform, police uniform, they will be shocked.

    He aded: “All of them will be arrested and they will not only be arrested, they will end up being forgotten in jail. That is my advice to them.

    “But for our people, our people are naturally law abiding, our people want this opportunity to exercise the rights. They don’t want to be disenfranchised.

    “That is why so much noise is being made about the purported cloning and collection of PVCs, recording of VIN numbers that Fayose and his ilk are promoting.

    “We will not let them subvert this process; this election will hold and it will hold freely, it will hold fairly, it will be credible, it will be transparent and result will be produced.”

  • Group warns against blood-letting in Ekiti guber election

    Senior citizens from Ekiti on Sunday in Ikeja, sued for peace as the state gets set for a high-stakes governorship election, characterised so far by rancor and acrimony.

    The elders, speaking under a group, known as Igbimo Ure Ekiti (IUE), warned key players in the election not to allow the event to degenerate to anarchy and spilling of blood.

    The President of the group, Prince Julius Adelusi, told stakeholders in the election at a news conference, to avoid heating up the polity in the countdown to the election, slated for July 14.

    “We recognise with serious anxiety, the tension that has enveloped the state as the date of the election approaches.

    “Shootings, hate speeches and talking tough, appear to be the order of the day across all the political divides, particularly the two major parties.

    “IUE wishes to appeal to all stakeholders, including but not limited to the government at the centre, the state government as well as the security agencies to please allow the Ekiti State electorate choose their governor.

    “This should be under a free and fair atmosphere in the interest of peace and stability of the state in particular, and also that of the nation in general,” Adelusi-Adeluyi said.

    The IUE president recalled violent skirmishes that characterised past elections in Ekiti and called for non-repetition of past mistakes.

    “We wish to recall with pain and anguish the electoral crisis of 1983 in the old Ondo State, comprising the present Ondo and Ekiti States, which was occasioned by loss of several lives and destruction of properties.

    “We wish to recall that between 2007 and 2010, the gubernatorial election and the re-run that followed the court order was characterised by killing, destruction of valuable assets, fear and trepidation among Ekiti State residents.

    “No one will forget in a hurry the Ido Osi tragedy, the Oye skirmishes and the inconsistencies of Madam Ayoka Adebayo, the then Ekiti State Electoral Commissioner.

    “The IUE has resolved to work with all stakeholders to ensure that the election is transparent, to produce a governor who will propel the state towards socio-economic growth and development.’’

    The group appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to exercise its mandate to ensure a free and credible electoral process, noting that the election would be a litmus test and a model for the 2019 general elections.

    “We shall hold the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu by his words that INEC will be transparent in its dealings, diligent and accountable.

    “We charge INEC to ensure that every vote counts and that whatever technology is deployed for the election is fool proof and beyond question.

    “After all, there are less than one million registered voters in Ekiti State. There are 16 local governments and the terrain is even and easily accessible,” the group said.

    The IUE also cautioned youths in the state to avoid being used as thugs by politicians and to resist every monetary enticement at the expense of their destiny and future. (NAN)

  • Ekiti Election: IGP deploys 30,000 personnel, 250 patrol vehicles, others

    The Inspector General of Police  (IGP), Ibrahim Idris has deployed 30,000 Police personnel for the governorship election in Ekiti State.

    The IG also deployed two patrol surveillance helicopters, five additional Armoured Personnel Carriers, ten Armoured Personnel vehicles and 250 Police patrol vehicles throughout the State including difficult terrains. 

    The election is scheduled to hold on the 14th of July, 2018.

    The deployment according to the IG, would ensure peaceful, credible, free and fair election.

    In addition to the 30,000 deployed, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations has also been deployed to the State and would be assisted by an Assistant Inspector General of Police, four Commissioners of Police, eight Deputy Commissioners of Police and 18 Assistant Commissioners of Police,   each Senatorial district will be manned by a Commissioner of Police. 

    The DIG is expected to implement and coordinate the security operations, and also supervise the deployment of security personnel for the elections throughout the 2451 Polling units/voting points, 177 Wards and the 16 LGA of the State.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Sunday by the Force Spokesman, Ag. DCP Jimoh Moshood. 

    Details of the security arrangement from the election reads: “To ensure adequate security and safety of life and property before, during and after the elections, the IGP has graciously approved the deployment of 30,000 Police personnel to Ekiti State for the Election. 

    “The personnel comprising Police Mobile Force (PMF) Units, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), the Special Protection Unit (SPU), the Anti Bomb Squad (EOD), Conventional Policemen, the Armament Unit, personnel of FCIID and the Sniffer dogs section. 

    “Four Policemen and two others from other security agencies will be on duty at each polling unit throughout the State. The Police Mobile Force (PMF) to be headed by a very Senior Officer will provide security at the RAC, Super RAC and collation centres. 

    “Two Patrol Surveillance helicopters, Five additional Armoured Personnel Carriers, Ten (10) Armoured Personnel Vehicles and Two Hundred and Fifty (250) Police patrol vehicles are deployed throughout the State including difficult terrains. 

    “Other security and safety agencies who are members of Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in the State are also deployed to complement the Nigeria Police Force during the election.”

    The Force also stated that the IG would attend a stakeholder’s meeting of all political parties participating in the election on Monday, 9th July. 

    “As part of additional measures to guarantee a peaceful and credible election, the IGP will on 9thJuly, 2018 attend a stakeholder’s and peace accord meeting of all the 35 political parties participating in the election and their flag bearers, INEC officials, election observers and other accredited stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.”

     The Force also stated that police officers and personnel of other security and safety agencies deployed for the elections are under strict Instructions to be polite and civil but firm in the discharge of their duties and other responsibilities.

    “They are to provide adequate security for the electorates, INEC Officials, movement of election materials, the accredited election observers and other individuals and bodies that have statutory roles in the conduct of the election, at the Polling units, Collation Centres and INEC Offices throughout the period of the election. 

    The security arrangement reads fruther: “Special security identification tags will be worn by all security personnel deployed for the election. No personnel of any security agency will be allowed to move to any other location other than where they were deployed throughout the election period

    “Security personnel attached to public office holders and politicians will not be allowed to follow their principals to the polling units or collation centres throughout the election.

    “Security personnel are hereby warned to desist from escorting their principals and politicians to polling units and collation centres during the election. Any deviant security detail will be apprehended and dealt with accordingly”

    Commissioners of Police and their personnel in Ondo, Osun, Kwara, Kogi, Ogun, Edo and Oyo States have also directed by the IGP to be on red-alert with their personnel. 

    The CPs are to deploy massively within areas neighbouring to Ekiti State to prevent crimes, hoodlums and miscreants and other unwanted elements or groups from infiltrating from their States to Ekiti State to disrupt the election. 

    The Police also said there would be restriction of vehicular movement in and out of the state on Friday. 

    “Restriction of vehicular movement in and out of Ekiti State will commence from 12-midnight of Friday, 13th July, 2018 till the end of the election.

    “Travellers and other road users are advised to make use of alternative routes. However, those on essential duties on genuine course will be granted passage.”

    The Force advised all political parties and their leaderships, traditional rulers, Community leaders, parents and guardians to warn their members, supporters, subjects, children and wards to be law abiding and not allow themselves to be used to cause disturbance of the peace or disruption of the election/electoral process anywhere in the State. 

    “The full weight of the law will be applied on any person or group of persons found violating the electoral act or indulging in any criminal conduct capable of causing violence before, during and after the election.

    “Threat assessments have been carried out by the Police in Ekiti State and all identified flash points and troubled prone areas have been addressed.

    “However, the Force will not hesitate to deal decisively in accordance with the electoral act and other enabling laws with any individual or group no matter how highly placed, whose utterances or conduct is contrary to the electoral act or that can incite disturbance of public peace, law and order before, during or after the election. 

    “The electorates and the general public in Ekiti State who observe any untoward incident or crime can reach the Joint Operation Room for the election through the following phone numbers; 08062335577, 08035925554, 08081761702.

    The IG assured the electorates, the contestants and all law abiding citizens in Ekiti State of adequate security throughout the election.

    He also  urged them to feel free to go out and cast their votes without any fear or apprehension. 

  • Ekiti 2018: Ekiti has no alternative to Fayemi – Running mate

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship candidate for the July 14  election in Ekiti State, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, has said the electorate must kill the continuity agenda being touted by Governor Ayodele Fayose for Ekiti regain its integrity and fasttrack development to the state.

    Egbeyemi said the people of Ekiti must vote for Dr Kayode Fayemi in the coming election, if the dream of making the state to be economically viable and progress in all spheres to be realized.

    Egbeyemi spoke at a rally organized by Ekiti Kete Good Citizen Association(EKGCA) in Ado Ekiti on Saturday to drum support for APC

    and sensitize the people on the heed to jettison Fayose’s candidate, Prof Kolapo Olusola in the election.

    The President of the group, Mr. Ayodeji Babatola, said the group would mobilize the people across the 2,195 on the need to support Fayemi/Egbeyemi ticket  that would bring radical development to the state.

    The APC candidate’s running mate said: “We are happy seeing youths like you embracing our candidacy for this election.

    “We pray that Fayemi is voted for to become our governor in this state to rescue us from poverty. Our state must develop and I know someone

    of Fayemi’s standing will always think of how our state can develop.

    “He can’t embezzle or mismanage our money,  because he is exposed and has integrity.

    “We must work hard to ensure that our party wins. Let me tell you this, Fayemi is ready to accommodate body. With what we have now,

    every Ekiti indigene wants APC to triumph.

    “But as you continue to back our candidacy, we want you to be peaceful and ensure that you conduct yourselves in orderly manner, because what we stand for is the unity of the State”, he stated.

    Babatola  lamented that the PDP years of misrule under Fayose has slowed down the progress and development of the State, saying time

    has come for the people to take their destinies in their own hands.

    “We have this July 14 opportunity to redefine our future as a people. This time, we need a governor that will elevate the people through

    human capital development. We need a governor that will stop treating people  in a beggarly manner, the way Fayose has been doing.

    “We need a governor that won’t put Ekiti in his pocket. We need a governor that will treat workers with dignity by paying salaries as and when due and also incorporate youth employment into governance.”

    Babatola  said what Ekiti witnessed under Fayose was alleged massive looting of the public treasury, saying the people won’t make a mistake by voting for the PDP in the impending poll.

    “The only legacy Fayose has is the flyover. But we had found out that the flyover was supposed to cost N6.2 billion but we later realized that a whooping sum of N17.2 billion. So, PDP has no reason to retain Ekiti considering the way it has run the state down in all facets”, he added.

     

  • Ekiti 2018: State of the race

    The die is cast for the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled to hold next Saturday, 14th July, 2018. Correspondent, Odunayo Ogunmola, in this report, examines the state of the race, local government by local government and reports on other dynamics that will shape the contest.

    THE attention of the world will be focused on Ekiti State on 14th July, 2018 as the people of the state go to the polls to elect a new governor.

    The tenure of the outgoing governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), expires on 15th October, 2018, since he took the oath of office on 16th October, 2014.

    In the last governorship poll, conducted on 21st June, 2014, Fayose of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) defeated the then incumbent governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who ran on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Fayose, who is constitutionally barred from seeking another term, has he taken oath of office two times (2003 and 2014), hopes to hand over to his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.

    Olusola emerged as the PDP candidate at a primary election conducted on 8th May, 2018 and has been handed the party’s flag at a mega rally held on 5th July, 2018.

    On the other hand, Fayemi defeated a strong field of 33 aspirants to emerge as the APC candidate at a keenly contested primary held on 12th May, 2018.

    The former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, who is taking a second shot at the governorship seat, lost in the 2014 poll.

    Will Fayose succeed in installing a successor, a feat no outgoing governor had managed to achieve since return to democracy in 1999?

    Will Fayemi, on the other hand, stop Fayose from achieving the record by staging his own comeback to power?

    It must be stated that the two major political parties, the ruling PDP and the main opposition APC have the capacity to win the coveted governorship crown.

    They have the reach, presence, structures, resources, manpower and members in all the 16 local government areas of the state.

    Some analysts said the other political parties are there just to make up the number as some of them sprang up few months to the election while others were merely used as platforms to contest by aspirants who failed in other parties.

    While the PDP enjoys power of incumbency at the state level, the APC which is angling to force its way into the Government House again, is enjoying the backing of the Federal Government seemingly determined to add Ekiti to the number of states it controls.

    Ekiti State is divided into three senatorial districts: Ekiti North, Ekiti Central and Ekiti South and 16 local government areas.

    Ekiti North and Ekiti Central have five local government areas each while Ekiti South has six local government areas.

    The local government areas in Ekiti North are Moba (11 wards), Ido/Osi, (11 wards) Ilejemeje (10 wards), Oye (12 wards) and Ikole (12wards).

    Ado (13 wards), Irepodun/Ifelodun (11 wards), Ekiti West (11 wards), Ijero (12 wards) and Efon (10 wards) are in Ekiti Central. Ekiti South is made up of Ekiti Southwest (11 wards), Ikere (11 wards), Ise/Orun (10 wards), Emure (10 wards), Gbonyin (10 wards) and Ekiti East (12 wards).

    Votes are up for grabs in total number of 177 wards and 2,195 polling units. Total number of registered voters in the state is 913,334.

    Out of the 913, 334 voters who had registered, 630,000 had collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as of Wednesday, July 4.

    The electorate in Ekiti State are highly unpredictable in terms of voting pattern as factors that determine who wins include candidates’ personality and acceptability, party strength, support of critical segments of the population, policies of the government in power, manifestos of the parties seeking to upstage it and of course, parties’ financial war chest.

    Although the issue of zoning cropped up in the run-up to the party primaries, the Ekiti electorates always look for candidates that are charismatic and have mass appeal.

    It appears the trend is changing in favour of APC and Fayemi owing to many factors; chief of which is low morale among workers who are enduring unprecedented suffering in the history of the state.

    Core civil servants and secondary school teachers are owed four month arrears, local government workers and primary school teachers seven months and workers in government tertiary institutions seven months.

    Pensioners are owed eight month arrears of monthly benefits while the present government had not paid any gratuity since it came to power in 2014.

    The issue of how financial reliefs from the Federal Government in terms of two tranches of bailout funds, Paris Club refund and Budget Support Fund were expended still left many wondering why the arrears had not been cleared.

    A good number of workers and retirees died over hardship occasioned by the non-payment of their entitlements since the PDP government came to power.

    A civil servant recently described owing workers arrears deep into election period a “political suicide and poisoned chalice” which any reasonable government hoping to retain power must avoid.

    Another factor working in favour of the APC is the support it will enjoy from the Federal Government in terms of deployment of instruments of coercion, resources and personnel.

    Many believe that support from the Goodluck Jonathan Presidency played a pivotal role in swinging victory in Fayose’s favour in 2014.

    Political pundits believe that the support enjoyed from the Presidency by the PDP in 2014 will be enjoyed by the APC in 2018.

    Massive defections of prominent members and leaders that have been hitting the PDP, including serving members of the National Assembly, continued very close to the election.

    Defection of key PDP members from Ado and Ikere to the APC is not a good omen for the ruling party in the state while other senior PDP members had left for other parties, leaving PDP emaciated.

    But it seems APC should not go to sleep believing all is done and dusted as the PDP cannot be underestimated, given Fayose’s political sagacity.

    Despite the loss of many party members and supporters to the opposition, Fayose and by extension, Olusola, still enjoys support of some segment of the population like artisans, commercial motorcycle association, a section of the drivers’ unions.

    WHO’S AHEAD?

    The two major parties, the ruling PDP and the opposition APC have structures in all the wards and local government areas. They have some party chieftains they are relying upon in their respective localities to swing victory in their favour on July 14. However, it must be noted that the projections below are subject to changes in the dynamics of politics as the game is highly unpredictable.

    ADO

    Personalities expected to work for PDP victory at the poll include former Ado Local Government Chairman and deputy governorship candidate, Mr. Deji Ogunsakin, current council chairman, Mr. Clement Bamisile; House of Assembly member representing Ado 1, Mr. Musa Arogundade; Assembly member representing Ado 2, Mr. Tope Fasanmi; SUBEB Chairman, Senator Bode Ola; and two former council chairmen, Mrs. Tosin Ajisafe-Aluko and Mr. Taye Fasuba.

    APC gladiators in the state capital include deputy governorship candidate, former council chairman, former commissioner and now deputy governorship candidate, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi; former deputy governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; former National Assembly member, Senator Babafemi Ojudu; former commissioner, Alhaji Ayodele Jinadu; oil magnate, Chief Remi Oguntuase; former presidential aide, Mr. Bodunde Adeyanju; former NULGE President, Chief Oluyemi Esan; two former Assembly members, Mr. Tope Olanipekun and Mr. Edu Mayokun, former Sports Council Chairman, Mr. Ade Adetola; two former LG secretaries, Mr. Fatai Adeyemi and Mr. Odunayo Talabi, who had just joined from PDP.

    The votes of Ado are unpredictable and they can go either way owing to the fact that it is a densely populated city with non-indigenes outnumbering indigenes.

    Verdict: battle ground

     

    IKERE

    Some PDP chieftains in Ikere include the deputy governor and PDP flag bearer, Olusola; House of Assembly member representing Ikere 1, Mr. Wale Ayeni; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Olayinka Ogundayomi; current Ikere LG chairman, Mr. Aderemi Ayeni; former LG chairman, Mr. Ola Alonge.

    Ikere is the hometown of the PDP governorship candidate and naturally he should win his base. But there are concerns about division in the town, which could affect Olusola. The town has three other governorship candidates among who are two former governors vying on the platform of other parties. They are Chief Adebisi Omoyeni of Mega Party of Nigeria (MPN) and Chief Abiodun Aluko of Accord. Two of them left PDP over the

    crisis that trailed the alleged imposition of Olusola by Fayose before the primary was conducted. A young candidate, Mr. Tosin Ajibare of Independent Democrats (ID) is also vying for governorship. The votes to be raked in by other aspirants who have their supporters in the

    town could whittle down Olusola’s votes and this may work in favour of APC which is making inroads in the community. APC ‘warriors’ in Ikere include five governorship aspirants: Dr. Wole Oluyede, Chief Sesan

    Fatoba, Mr. Kola Alabi, Mr. Funminiyi Afuye and Mr. Muyiwa Olumilua.

    Others include former old Ondo State Governor, Bamidele Olumilua and new entrant to APC and House of Assembly member representing, Mr. Sunday Akinniyi.

    Verdict: PDP

     

    IDO/OSI

    PDP has won consistently in this council area since 1999 but the winning streak appears to be under threat for the first time in 19 years. This is because many of those who made it happen for PDP in the past had quit the party. They include former Governor Segun Oni, former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, who has moved to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Other former PDP members now in APC camp include former council chairman, Mr. Yomi Ayorinde; former Director General of Micro Credit Agency, Mr. Cyril Fasuyi. APC chieftains in the area include former House of Assembly Deputy

    Speaker, Chief Adetunji Orisalade; former SUBEB Chairman, Prince Akintade Olayisade and former council chairman, Pastor Gbenga Agbeyo.

    The PDP gladiators in the area include Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Modupe Alade; House of Representatives member for Ido/Osi/Moba/Ilejemeje Federal Constituency, Mr. Thaddeus Aina; House

    of Assembly member for Ido/Osi 1; Mr. Jacob Olayode; House of Assembly member for Ido/Osi 2, Mr. Abiola Jeje and Commissioner for Works, Mrs. Funmilayo Ogun.

    Verdict: APC

     

    MOBA

    This local government used to be a progressives stronghold but it went to the PDP in the 2014 election. It will be a straight fight this time around. Olusola is depending on House of Assembly Speaker, Mr. Kola Oluwawole; House of Assembly member for Moba 2, Mr. Badejo Anifowose and Commissioner for Information, Mr. Lanre Ogunsuyi. Resisting PDP challenge are APC chieftains including former Assembly member Mr. Olajide Olaniyi; former Moba LG chairman, Mr. David Olusoga; former Senior Special Assistant on Legal Matters, Mr. Ibrahim Olanrewaju and a veteran politician, Chief Michael Atejioye.

    Verdict: APC

     

    ILEJEMEJE

    PDP chieftains in this area include the Senator representing Ekiti North, Duro Faseyi, House of Assembly member for Ilejemeje, Mrs. Cecilia Dada and LG Chairman, Mr. Ebenezer Oladipupo. On the APC side are Afenifere chieftain and Second Republic Senator, Chief Ayo Fasanmi; former Assembly member, Mr. Segun Erinle; former LG Chairman, Prince Adegoroye Bamigboye and former commissioner, Mr. Folorunso Olabode.

    Verdict: APC

     

    EKITI EAST

    PDP top notchers are Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Mrs. Biodun Olujimi; House of Assembly member for Ekiti East 1, Mr. Ojo Ade Fajana; Assembly member for Ekiti East 2, Mr. Dare Pelemo; former Assembly member, Mr. Dele Ajibola and Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Taelolu Otitoju.

    APC chieftains working to deliver the area to their party include former Speaker, Mr. Femi Bamisile; former commissioner, Mr. Apalara Wole-Adewumi; former Assembly member/council chairman, Mr. Rotimi Ajidara; former Assembly members, Mr. Akinloye Akinyemi and Mr. Gbenga Falaye.

    Verdict: Battleground

     

    EKITI WEST

    This local government is up for grabs and can go either way. Leading the fight for PDP is House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, Mr. Sina Animasaun; former Deputy Speaker, Mr. Olusegun Adewumi; Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Kehinde Odebunmi; current LG chairman, Mr. Francis Ayodele and his predecessor, Mr. Kolawole Omotunde.

    APC bigwigs expected to be on the field for their party include State Chairman, Chief Olajide Awe; former Assembly member, Mr. Gbenga Odebunmi; former Assembly member, Mr. Kayode Fasakin; former LG Chairman, Mr. Tajudeen Akingbolu and former Attorney General, Mr. Wale Fapohunda.

    Verdict: APC

     

    EKITI SOUTHWEST

    APC received many PDP members into its fold which may be the deciding factor. Fayemi’s foot soldiers in this council area include former Chief of Staff, Yemi Adaramodu; former Assembly member, Tope Agidi; former LG chairman, Mr. Genge Kola; another former LG chairman, Dr. Azeez Olaniyan; former Commissioner, Chief Oluwole Ariyo; former Assembly member, Mr. Amire Kolade; former Special Assistant (Media) to Deputy Governor, Mrs. Yemisi Ayokunle, former ministerial aide, Mr. Makinde Araoye and Mr. Yemi Alatise.

    On the PDP side are current LG chairman, Mr. Lanre Omolase; House of Assembly member for Ekiti Southwest 1; Mr. Wale Onigiobi; Assembly member for Ekiti West 2, Mr. Michael Adedeji; Commissioner for Education, Mr. Jide Egunjobi and Alhaji Gani Bankole.

    Verdict: APC

     

    IKOLE

    Former Deputy Governor, Chief Paul Alabi; House of Representatives member, Mr. Kehinde Agboola leads Fayose’s foot soldiers which include House of Assembly member for Ikole 2, Mrs. Titi Owolabi; current LG Chairman, Mrs. Abiola Olukayode and Commissioner for Public Utilities, Chief Tunde Ogunleye.

    APC stalwarts expected to make difference include House of Assembly Minority Leader, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan; former Assembly member, Chief Adebayo Morakinyo; former Civil Service Commission Chairman, Alhaji Afolabi Ogunlayi; former Special Adviser, Chief Biodun Akin Fasae; former Pension Board Commissioner, Chief Segun Ajibulu, Mrs. Moji Fafure and Mr. Samuel Abejide.

    Verdict: APC

     

    IREPODUN/IFELODUN

    This is local government area is the home base of Governor Ayo Fayose and former Governor Adeniyi Adebayo. Fayose will do everything possible to win while Adebayo and his troops will also want to win it for their party. Backing Fayose is his Chief of Staff, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, Assembly member for Irepodun/Ifelodun 1, Mr. Posi Omodara; Assembly member for Irepodun/Ifelodun 2, Mr. Sanya Aladeyelu; current LG chairman, Mr. Dapo Olagunju and former envoy, Amb. Toye Olofintuyi.

    Following Adebayo into the battle are former House of Representatives member, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele; Ambassador to Hungary, Dr. Eniola Ajayi; former LG chairman, Mr. Toba Adaramola; former Assembly member, Mr. Ayodeji Odu; APC Publicity Secretary, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun; the Jamiu brothers, Mojeed and Hakeem.

    Verdict: Battleground

     

    IJERO

    This is a PDP zone but defection of many members has weakened the party. Former Assembly Majority Leader, Mr. Lai Oke and Mrs. Yemisi Afolabi are leading the PDP fight. But APC members determined to win the area include former Assembly Chief Whip, Mrs. Omowumi Ogunlola; former governorship aspirant, Mr. Kayode Ojo; former Commissioner, Mr. Dapo Kolawole, Chief Femi Oyebanjo and former LG Chairman, Mr. Ojo Atibioke.

    Verdict: APC

     

    EFON

    Fayose’s henchmen are led by Director General of Kolapo Olusola Campaign Organisation, Chief Bisi Kolawole; current House of Assembly member, Mr. Afolabi Akanni and former LG chairman, Chief Idowu Akinyele. Working to deliver for APC are former Executive Secretary of PPPRA/PTDF, Dr. Oluwole Oluleye; former Deputy Speaker, Mr. Oladapo Karonwi; former Assembly member, Mr. Folorunso Ogundele; former Commissioner, Prof. Adio Folayan; former governorship aspirant, Mr. Victor Kolade, serving House of Reps member who recently defected from PDP, Mr. Olamide Oni and former Commissioner, Mrs. Ronke Okusanya.

    Verdict: APC

     

    EMURE

    Party chieftains of note have defected from the PDP leaving the current Attorney General, Mr. Kolapo Kolade as the arrowhead of Fayose’s army. But the APC parades tested politicians like former Assembly member, Mr. Febisola Adewale; another former Assembly member, Mr. Boluwade Kehinde; former Commissioners, Chief Dele Okeya and Mr. Debo Ajayi.

    Verdict: APC

     

    ISE/ORUN

    This has been a PDP stronghold since 1999 but the trend is expected to change in the forthcoming poll. Former Minister of State for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Afolabi Ojuawo, former Attorney General, Mr. Owoseni Ajayi and current Assembly member, Mr. Adeniran Alagbada led key PDP members and leaders to APC leaving their former party highly weakened to mount a serious challenge. They will work with other APC chieftains they met in the party including Mr. Femi Ajayi and Mrs. Remi Ajayi to deliver the council area to APC.

    Verdict: APC

     

    GBONYIN

    The PDP troops are led by former Acting Governor/Speaker, Mr. Olatunji  Odeyemi; House of Reps member representing Gbonyin/Emure/Ekiti East, Mr. Akin Awodumila; current SUBEB Commissioner, Mrs. Sade Akinrinmola; current LG Chairman, Mr. Tope Ogidi and current Assembly member, Mr. Ayodele Fajemilehin. It remains to be seen whether they will be able to withstand the firepower of APC chieftains including former Senate Minority Whip, Senator Gbenga Aluko; former House of Reps member and Deputy Director General of Fayemi Campaign, Mr. Bamidele Faparusi; former governorship aspirant, Dr. Makanjuola Owolabi; former House of Reps member, Chief Aderemi Ajayi; former PDP state chairman, Chief Ropo Adesanya; former Commissioner, Mr. Paul Omotoso and former LG chairmen, Mr Femi Awe and Mr. Paul Abegunde; former Local Government Service Commissioner, Folu Ibirinde and Fayemi campaign spokesman, Mr. Wole Olujobi.

    Verdict: APC

     

    OYE

    This is Fayemi’s home base and he will be complemented by party stalwarts such as Senator Ayo Arise, former House of Reps member, Mr. Bimbo Daramola; former Assembly member, Mr. Sunday Adunmo; former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Gani Owolabi; former Assembly member for Oye 1, Mr. Ade Ajayi; former governorship aspirant, Dr (Mrs.) Mojisola Yaya-Kolade; senatorial aspirant, Dr. Olusegun Osinkolu and former Oye Council chairman, Mr. Bamitale Oguntoyinbo.

    The PDP gladiators are led by the House of Assembly member representing Oye 1, Dr. Samuel Omotoso; his counterpart in Oye 2, Mr. Tunji Akinyele; Oye LG Chairman, Mr. Sunday Alonge.

    Verdict: APC

  • My party will give Ekiti best alternative –David-Adesua

    Chief Ayodele David-Adesua is the flag bearer of Democratic Alternative (DA) in the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti State. In this interview with Odunayo Ogunmola, he described his party as the best alternative for Ekiti

    WHY are you in the race?

    I am not seeking political power as an end, rather, I am seeking political power as a means to create a desired future that I envisioned for Ekiti State. My party has come to give Ekiti the best alternative; please join me to make Ekiti a first world state. To make Ekiti great requires teamwork because the success of any first world state is the creation of teamwork. Our cabinet will work as a team and share knowledge and experiences among in order to score all the needed goals required to bring dividends of democracy to our people thereby making Ekit State a first world state in a third world nation.

    The civil service in Ekiti State is presently down with low morale over non-payment of many arrears of salaries. What will a DA government has in stock for civil servants?

    The success of any government depends on its workforce. We have discovered that when you add value to people, you bring out the best in them. Our civil servants will be motivated in all areas to encourage productivity and quality performance. I will suspend all capital projects to ensure complete payment of salaries and pensions within my first 100 days as governor.

    When you have worked and you are not paid, it is a curse on your employer. These people have worked, labored and they are being owed seven months salaries and ten months of pension because the current crop of leaders are not committed. They shall be periodically trained and retrained to pave the way for their promotion as and when due. Our government will ensure that the issue and controversy surrounding minimum wage is resolved in their favour and that allowances and salaries are paid promptly.

    Ekiti is blessed with natural resources but they remain largely untapped. What is your agenda for this sector?

    Ekiti State is blessed with abundant natural resources such as granite, kaolin, columbite, iron ore, barite, gem stone, gold among others. These mineral resources are largely deposited in different towns and villages of Ijero, Ekiti West, Ado, Ikole, Ikere, Ise and other local government areas. Most of these resources are left untapped despite their potential market.

    Our findings reveal that there must be a synergy between the state and federal government to have a maximum exploration of these resources to the gains of our society. Our government would seek for foreign investors and work with the relevant ministry at the federal level in order to have these rich mineral resources exploited on terms and conditions that would allow for employment opportunities for the indigenes, social welfare for host communities and increase our internally generated revenue.

    How do you hope to tackle the problem of power supply which may not encourage investment?

    I will provide prepaid meters to all houses, shops and workshops in Ekiti State within the first 100 days in office and I will restore light in all communities suffering blackout in Ekiti. We are also exploring the option of hydro-electricity generation with the presence of three big dams-Ero, Egbe and Itapaji Dams to make power stable to attract industries and grow small and medium enterprises.

    As part of efforts to develop the state, we also have plans for small and medium scale industries. In most of the first world state, 99 per cent of all businesses are small and medium sized. They are the driving force behind their robust economy. Our government will formulate good policies to encourage involvement of Ekiti indigenes and residents including market women in all businesses.

  • I possess required qualities to govern Ekiti- Aluko

    Chief Abiodun Aluko is a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State. He is the governorship candidate of Accord Party. He told our correspondent that he has developed a blueprint that will turn around the fortunes of the state.

    WHY are you gunning for the seat of the Governor of Ekiti State?

    I have offered myself to serve as the Governor of Ekiti State from 16th October, 2018, on the platform of Accord Party, with the conviction and firm belief that I possess the qualities required to perform excellently well and effectively in the position. For anybody to make a meaningful impact in governance he must have the requisite competence and skills in education, cognate experience in similar position, exposure, adequate planning and preparation, verifiable character and integrity, administrative capacity as well as the mental capability and leadership traits to take Ekiti out of the present decadence and take it to higher grounds.

    What is your agenda to develop the state when you are elected governor?

    To succeed as a governor, one must be visionary with clearly spelt out vision and mission statement on how to transform the state infrastructurally, manage efficiently and grow the economy and improve the standard of living of the citizens. I have developed a comprehensive blueprint which lays emphasis on the people’s welfare and standard of living in the areas of human capacity development, poverty eradication, job creation and expansion of the state’s economic base through heavy investment in agriculture.

    Mining, entrepreneurship, tourism, micro, small and medium enterprises development, commercialization, industrialization, revival of cooperative societies movement and private public partnership process will also receive attention. We will also focus on social well reform, civil service motivation, social and physical infrastructural upbringing  in areas of water, education, health, housing, modern markets, industrial parks, roads and transportation facilities, electricity etc.

    Poverty and unemployment is a major problem in Ekiti State, how do you hope to tackle it?

    We will banish unemployment from Ekiti State, particularly among youths and women by encouraging the highly literate youths to embrace our poverty eradication scheme which encourages self employment through technological skill acquisition, agricultural resuscitation programme, direct youth and women empowerment scheme. We will encourage, motivate, training, equip and empower them to establish micro, small and medium scale enterprises and industries.

    We plan a program that will see the state government going into partnership with commercial banks and development banks like Bank of Industry, Agricultural Bank, Infrastructural Development Bank, African Development Bank, DFID, EU, World Bank etc to provide funds, adequate training and logistics for optimum performance and success of all our empowerment programs.

    What are the avenues you are considering to reduce dependence on the Federal Government for allocation?

    Ekiti State is endowed with minerals but little is being done to tap them for the benefit of the state. Ekiti is endowed with minerals like clay, kaolin, bauxite, clay, feldspar, tourmaline, coal, limestone, marble mica, muscovite, tale, tin, beryl etc. Even diamond, the most expensive mineral in the world market today is assumed to be in Ekiti State with the preliminary geological exploration so far carried out.

    If detailed geotechnical exploration is carried out and foreign partners are engaged, for the exploitation and development of these minerals, Ekiti State will say bye bye to poverty and will no longer depend on monthly allocation from Abuja. Ekiti will be in the league of states, like Lagos, that can survive on its IGR without having to go cap in hand begging for loans from the Federal Government.