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Tag: All Progressives Congress (APC)

  • Those responsible for Maina’s recall must be punished – APC

    Those responsible for Maina’s recall must be punished – APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) said Tuesday that all those found to be involved in the recall and reinstatement of the former Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina must be made to face appropriate consequences of their action.

    National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi told newsmen at the APC secretariat that the incidence which has attracted wide public debate was a big embarrassment to the party and the government.

    He was however quick to defend the Failure of the President to act on the report of the Osinbajo committee that investigated allegations against the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.

    He said “We are all shocked like any other person. It is almost unbelievable that such thing can happen. However, we are all delighted that President Buhari has taken very decisive and punitive action against those that are involved. We are also delighted that he has ordered full scale investigation into the circumstances the led to this individual being reinstated into the public office.

    “We believe as a party that whoever was part of this or found to be part of this must face appropriate consequences because it is an embarrassment to the party, government and it is unacceptable.”

    On the failure of the president to act on the previous reports on his table and the guarantee that he will act on the outcome of investigation into the recall of Maina, he said: “I cannot comment on this because it is the same President that has taken decisive action on this that still have the other reports. In his wisdom, he must have a reason and unless we know those reasons, we cannot come to conclusions that he has not acted.

    “We have to be willing to admit that in his judgement, he does not have all the facts because we are not sitting in that chair. We have no more doubt in our minds that the President will do what is necessary and do what is right. But he does not have to act because everybody wants him to act. He has to exercise the best judgement at all time.

    “So, if we are satisfied that he is acting in the best interest of the nation, definitely we cannot continue to insinuate that he will shield these people. He was the one who ordered that the investigation be carried out and he is the one who ordered that the SGF and NIA boss be removed from the office and we have not heard that they have returned to their duty post. So, definitely action will be taken on them. I think we should just be kind and wait for Mr. President to action on that before we come to the conclusion that he has not acted.”

    He dismissed calls for the party to set up an independent investigation, saying “why should the party set up an independent investigation team as if it is not our government. There is no need to set up one because it is our government. The President as the leader of the party is not independent of the party. We are confident that the President will do what is necessary.”

  • APC is making good what PDP made bad – Sen. Adamu

    APC is making good what PDP made bad – Sen. Adamu

    A National Assembly member, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu (APC-Nasarawa), says the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) is making good what the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) made bad during its 16-year rule.

    Adamu, who made this known in an interview in Abuja on Tuesday, said that the rot accumulated between 1999 and 2015 that PDP held sway in governance was much.

    “What it took them 16 years to damage, we cannot take just one year of some magical works to get everything corrected,” he said.

    According to him, the PDP fails to realise deliberately that the APC cannot just perform magic within this short period, because they have nothing on their agenda but mere propaganda.

    “They have not been doing enough work and spending enough time to plan what is called opposition in the real sense of democracy. They feel calling people names, abusing people and propaganda is opposition, this is wrong.

    “They will not get the desired result out of that.

    “For instance, the propaganda that Monkey Pox was induced by vaccines from the military, what can be more absurd than that and they have kept quiet because it is an agenda.

    “This negativity is from the PDP stable; this is a smear campaign, I pity their strategy,” Adamu said.

    On the recent comment by the PDP Senate Caucus that it would dislodge the ruling party, the lawmaker said that they were only giving the impression that they were still relevant in the political arena.

    He, however, said that the political space was big enough for associations wanting to be recognised like the PDP, to impact on the Nigerian polity.

    “PDP is no longer what it used to be. PDP is a party that had 16 years and then toward the end, they got so strong and got a bit power drunk.

    “Unfortunately, through intoxication they lost everything that there was in political fortunes, they had to go back to the table to start all over,” he said.

    Adamu, who is a former governor of Nasarawa, lauded Gov. Umaru Al-Makura, for his efforts at developing the state, saying “given the circumstances, he has given the best he can’’.

    “I support the government of Nasarawa. I believe no administration is perfect; no administration provides everything that the populace requires; I believe that he is doing well enough,” he said.

    NAN

  • Buhari to Jonathan: Fuel now available, even without paying N1.3trn for subsidy

    Buhari to Jonathan: Fuel now available, even without paying N1.3trn for subsidy

    President Muhammadu Buhari Monday hit back at former President Goodluck Jonathan, saying our achievements are there for all to see.

    Buhari also reminded the former president that unlike his time when they chunk out between 800 billion and 1.3 trillion Naira as ‘subsidy’ yearly in their time, without making the products available even at regulated prices, this Administration is not paying any subsidy, yet the product is available and queues have disappeared from the filling stations.

    Buhari therefore posited that by now Nigerians

    Nigerians are brilliant and discerning, and won’t be taking in by the former president’s claims.

    Jonathan last week took a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the party of lies and propaganda, saying “My government was severely criticised for increasing the pump price of petroleum from N67 to N97 at a time that global crude price was going for over 100 dollars.

    “The pump price was later reduced to N87 when the price of crude oil dropped and they attacked us that it was supposed to be lower.

    “Those who criticised my administration are not talking again now that the global crude oil is about 53 dollars per barrel and the pump price of petrol is N143,” Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan’s spokesman, quoted him in a statement.

    But the president punctured his claims with facts and figures at the Nigeria Government Forum (NGF), Media Conference For media handlers of state’s chief executive governors with the theme: “Governors Public Perception: Changing the Narrative Agenda”

    Buhari who was represented by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, said “Those who accused this Administration of ‘propaganda and lies’ in the fuel supply sector, for example, did not tell Nigerians that whereas they paid between 800 billion and 1.3 trillion Naira as ‘subsidy’ yearly in their time, without making the products available even at regulated prices, this Administration is not paying any subsidy, yet all products are currently available at competitive prices and fuel queues are now history.

    “In their time, they paid subsidy of 3.7 billion Naira DAILY in 2011; 2.2 billion Naira DAILY in 2012 and 2013, and 2.5 billion Naira DAILY in 2014, all for products that were never available.”

    Describing disinformation and fake news, as ”evil twins” in the public space, the president said that  they have become potent weapons in the hands of opposition, expressing worry that they will be the biggest obstacle as the 2019 general elections.

    He said, “Let me be straight: This is the most difficult time for anyone to find himself or herself in your position.

    Why? Because in addition to working with a tight budget, you face the double tragedy of disinformation and fake news, buoyed to a large extent by the advent of Social Media.

    Never before have these ”evil twins” of disinformation and fake news permeated the public space as they have now and, make no mistakes about it, they have become potent weapons in the hands of naysayers.

    Sadly, they will be the biggest obstacle facing you from now till the 2019 general elections, whether you believe it or not.

    “In recent days, you have all seen the dangers posed, not just to you but even the general public, by those who have chosen to deploy disinformation and fake news as a weapon of choice.

    First, they created unnecessary panic in the society by claiming that Monkey Pox resulted from the Federal Government’s deliberate injection of people with the virus in certain states.

    We had hardly dispelled that when they claimed that the military, which is going beyond the call of duty to support the civilian populace, has been injecting school children with Monkey Pox, forcing many parents across a number of states to withdraw their children from school for days. Imagine the implication of this on the affected children’s education and health.

    “Now, the disinformation is that ahead of the forthcoming election in Anambra, the government has been providing IPOB uniform to some people to cause mayhem, so they can in turn blame IPOB, and that many roads leading to Anambra will be closed before and after the elections, hence they advised Anambra residents to stay at home and not come out for the election.

    This is all disinformation, pure and simple. There is no such plan.

    “Now, going hand in hand with disinformation and fake news is the new strategy of the naysayers to label the achievements of the government of the day as ‘propaganda and lies’ in order to discredit them.

    It is for you, at your level, to use concrete facts to showcase the achievements of your principals. Nigerians are brilliant and discerning, and won’t be taken in by such deliberate denigration. But they also need facts and figures.

    “For our Administration, our achievements are there for all to see. We are delivering in the broad areas that formed the plank of our policies: Security, fight against corruption and the economy, which includes the massive provision of infrastructure, ease of doing business and agriculture, just to mention a few.”

    Earlier, the DG NGF, Mr. Bayo Okauru said the workshop is to help build the capacity of media handlers of the chief executives.

    The Director of General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Garuba Abari, describe media handling as the key ingredient in bringing out the messages of what the Chief executives are doing.

    He said citizens must know why things are happening and why there are not happening, describing the workshop as an opportunity to interact and exchange ideas.

    He also said it is opportunity to get feedback on what government is doing.

    Read Also: Attack on APC govt: Presidency hits back at Jonathan

     

  • 39 candidates vie for eight positions in Gombe APC

    39 candidates vie for eight positions in Gombe APC

    The All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in Gombe State said it had screened 39 candidates vying for eight vacant positions in the party’s congress election scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 21.

    Malam Kasim Maigari, the sate Caretaker Secretary of the party, disclosed this in an interview with the newsmen in Gombe on Friday.

    Maigari said that arrangement had been made for the congress which would be an indication that unity had finally returned to the party.

    “There are eight vacancies and we have screened 39 persons who are all qualified to contest.

    “There are eight persons contesting for the post of  chairmanship, five for deputy chairmen, four for secretary, 10 for youth leader, three for legal adviser, two for zonal women leader and three for ex-officio,” he said.

    Maigari said that the party sold the forms for the chairmanship at N100, 000 while other positions went for N30, 000 each.

    He said the APC equally waived 50 per cent of the cost for female contestants.

    Maigari promised that a level playing field would be put in place for credible, free and fair congress.

    NAN

  • Football remains the greatest unifier of Nigerians – APC

    Football remains the greatest unifier of Nigerians – APC

    The All Progressives Congress ( APC ) has said that sports in Nigeria, particularly football, remained one of the greatest unifier of people across political affiliations, religion, gender, tribe and other divides.

    Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, APC National Publicity Secretary stated this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    Abdullahi joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating and congratulating the Super Eagles for their qualification to next year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    He also congratulated the Ministry of Sports, the Nigerian Football Federation, the technical crew, management, and backroom staff for securing Nigeria’s sixth appearance at the World Cup.

    The APC spokesman said it was indeed a delight watching the Super Eagles defeat the Chipolopolo of Zambia in front of excited home fans at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo.

    He noted that the victory put Nigeria on an unassailable 13 points at the top of Group B and charged Nigerians to take advantage of the feat to further foster harmony amongst themselves.

    Bolaji, a former sports minister, however, called on the sports authorities not to rest on their oars but to begin early preparation ahead of 2018 to ensure that the Super Eagles perform well at the global tournament.

    NAN

  • NLC, NEITI, others: NNPC ‘scandal’ must be investigated

    NLC, NEITI, others: NNPC ‘scandal’ must be investigated

    The calls for investigation of the contract debacle at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) have refused to abate. More groups, including the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (NEITI), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), added their voices to the growing list of pro-probe NNPC advocates.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), however, declined comment on the controversy. Its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, told reporters: “We can’t comment on that now. In fact, we have no comment on it.”

    NEITI Technical Adviser Dr. Dauda Garuba urged the President to wade into the crisis because $25 billion is too huge an amount to consummate its contract without due process.

    He said: “Whichever way one looks at it, N25 billion is too huge an amount to  build contracts around without due process. We are supposed to be a country guided by rules and procedures. We must make Nigeria work.”

    Garuba said that if it is established that there are infractions as alleged by the Minister of States for Petroleum Resources, the necessary sanctions must be deployed.

    He insisted that Mr. President must demonstrate that he meant business when he promised Nigerians to reform the oil sector.

    He said: “I must say that it is unfortunate that the Nigeria public is being unenviably treated to unpleasant developments in the oil sector. If you ask me, this is coming at a wrong time in our history. Just when we are expecting a reform of the sector so that it can deliver the country out of the woods, we are having to deal with this.

    “So much progress has been recorded in the reform of the oil sector in the last two years that Nigeria cannot afford to turn back the hand of the clock. I know Nigerians are yet to hear from the other side. It will be fair that those who leaked the memo by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources to President Muhammadu Buhari also live up to their sophistry in access to secret information by obliging Nigerians the response by the Group Managing Director of NNPC. President Muhammadu Buhari must step in and do the needful.”

    The NLC said the issues raised in the communication between the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, and President Muhammadu Buhari should be properly investigated.

    The President of the congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, in an interview, said the issues raised by the minister must be verified.

    He said: “The issue is under some investigation and I think there should be an opportunity to interrogate the process and at the end of the day, let us know the veracity and facts of the issue. We have made this issue quite clear and loud that part of our challenge is how we are able to imbibe the process of good governance, transparency and accountability.

    “Some of the issues bothers on this critical idea of ensuring that there is good governance in place. Our hope is that this issue will be thoroughly investigated and concluded. At the end of the day. Let us hear what the issues are as well as the fact of the matter. Once we get the facts, we will then be able to make conclusion.

    “I am aware that the process of investigation is on and I am sure that the Presidency will react appropriately since there is a communication on an issue that bothers on good governance.

    “The normal thing to be done is for the issue to be addressed through the normal process. Once this type of information is thrown to the public, the normal thing is to have a process through which these issues can be looked into.

    “I am aware that the Senate are already investigating the issue and so, the process of that investigation must be concluded so that we can have the fact and be able to make meaningful contributions. Whether the Presidency or the National Assembly, they can investigate because they have the power to do so.”

    ANEEJ yesterday called on the National Assembly and President Buhari to conclude the passage and assent of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill.

    A conclusion of the enactment, according to the civil society organisation, will forestall the reoccurrence of the issues in the oil and gas sector that Kachikwu, raised against the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Maikanti Baru.

    The petition was on arbitrary award of $25 billion contract, insubordination, among other infractions of the NNPC boss.

    ANEEJ Executive Director Rev. David Ugolor, in a statement in Abuja, applauded the Senate for launching a probe into Kachikwu’s allegations.

    Ugolor said: “Since the Senate has waded into the matter, we suggest that Mr. President as well must invite the Nigerian Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, NEITI, to carry out a comprehensive and forensic audit of the allegations.

    “Among statutory functions of the NEITI include the regulation of matters related to due process in the award of contracts in the extractive sector of the Nigerian sector.

    “We believe that the inconsistencies being thrown up by the startling revelations from the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources include some of the issues which the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill seeks to address and redress.

    “The present administration since inception has defined itself first through its corruption stance, and more by the reforms it has introduced in the oil sector. It scrapped the opaque oil swap which made it possible for individuals within government to line their pockets with millions of dollars and has replaced it with the Direct Sale, Direct Purchase scheme.

    “That lofty plan of Direct Sale, Direct Purchase stands in jeopardy if all the contracts that have been awarded and the companies they have been awarded are not subject to thorough vetting and investigations by both the Senate and the NEITI.”

    For SERAP, Buhari must use his “good offices and leadership position to urgently refer the allegations of corruption and abuse of office against Mr Maikanti Baru, Group Managing Director Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for investigation, and if there is relevant and sufficient admissible evidence, for him to face prosecution”.

    The organisation urged Buhari to “suspend Mr Baru pending the referral to the EFCC and ICPC, and the outcome of any investigation by the anti-corruption agencies in order not to create the impression that your government is treating Mr Baru as a sacred cow. We urge you not to allow the allegations against Mr Baru to go the way of past inconclusive investigations of allegations of massive corruption within the NNPC”.

    In an October 2017 a letter signed by SERAP executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni, the organisation said: “The allegations by Dr Kachikwu constitute grave breaches of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Act of 2000; and the UN Convention against Corruption (UNAC) which Nigeria recently ratified. In particular, the UN Convention against Corruption imposes clear obligations on Nigeria to investigate allegations of corruption such as the present one; prosecute suspected perpetrators and ensure return and repatriation of proceeds of corruption.

    “SERAP is concerned that years of systemic corruption within the NNPC and looting of Nigeria’s natural resources have had uneven consequences against the vulnerable groups of the society, including the poor, women and children, perpetrating and institutionalizing discrimination, and jeopardizing the needs and well-being of future generations. If left unaddressed, the allegations by Dr Kachikwu have the potential of undermining your government’s expressed commitment to returning Nigeria to the path of transparency and accountability.

    “SERAP believes that Mr Baru’s case presents your Administration with yet another rare opportunity to reassure a lot of Nigerians who may be worried about the direction of travel of your anti-corruption agenda. Rather than keeping silent on the matter, we advise you to use this case to show to Nigerians that no form of corruption will be tolerated in the NNPC under your watch.

    “SERAP also believes the recommended approach would help to address the growing public suspicion and pessimism about your government’s ability to fight high-level official corruption to a standstill, and to avoid any collateral consequences. It is absolutely important that the public should have complete confidence and trust in your Administration’s oft-repeated commitment to fight corruption and the impunity of perpetrators.

    “SERAP notes the recent allegations of corruption against Mr Baru by Dr Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Minister of State of Petroleum and Chairman NNPC Board. In the letter to you Dr Kachikwu alleged among others appointments and postings in NNPC without due process; award of contracts above $20m without following the legal and procedural requirements for such contracts including the Crude Term contracts- value at over $10bn; the DSDP contracts- value over $5bn; the AKK pipeline contract- value approximately $3bn; various financing allocation funding contracts with the NOCs – value over $3bn; and various NPDC production service contracts – value at over $3bn—$4bn.”

  • PDP loses 200 members in Ogun East to APC

    PDP loses 200 members in Ogun East to APC

    …As Akinlade seeks Ijebu’s support for Yewa governorship agenda

     

    No fewer than 200 members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun East Senatorial district have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.

    The PDP defectors were received in Ijebu – Ode during a meeting of the Ogun East chapter of the APC presided over by the Senatorial chairman, Alhaji Folorunso Elias,  Wednesday.

    Folorunso assured the defectors that they would be accommodated and their interests protected through a level playing field.

    He said the APC remains the hope of the masses, adding that Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s achievements had further endeared many people to the party in the state.

    The meeting also coincided with ex –  House of Representatives member, Abiodun Akinlade, to APC leaders in Ogun East to  officially  declare his  intention to run for the governorship seat in 2019 on the platform of the party.

    Aknlade who hailed from Ogun West (Yewa – Awori) area of the state, urged the Ijebu people to support the quest of the Yewa-Awori to produce the next governor of the state in 2019.

    He pledged to revisit the abandoned agro-cargo airport and other  viable economic projects located in the Ijebu axis of the state if elected as governor.

    “I have come to seek for your support and prayers. The agro-cargo airport, we must do it because it will generate money, create employment and it will also open up Ogun East area.

    “I have knocked on your door, please open up and help me to secure the party ticket and become the candidate for 2019 election. I have the experience and the wherewithal to represent your interest very well,” Akinlade said.

  • Don’t insult Buhari, Umahi advises PDP members

    Don’t insult Buhari, Umahi advises PDP members

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has advised politicians in the opposition not to insult those in government but to criticise them constructively to enhance development.

    Umahi spoke at a gala-night to celebrate 21 years of the creation of Ebonyi and the 57th Independence anniversary of Nigeria in Abakaliki on Sunday.

    He advised members of his ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to refrain from insulting the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) Federal Government.

    The governor also urged members of APC in Ebonyi to refrain from insulting him and his PDP-led state government.

    .“I always tell my people (PDP) that opposition at the centre is not about insults; I also advise the opposition in our state to tow the same line.

    “Opposition is about constructive criticism, putting the leader in check and reminding him that he has not fulfilled the promises he made.

    “It should not involve lying to the people, deceiving them and practising politics with bitterness and anger.

    “I will ask our grandfathers who are tackling us to do so with wisdom and love because it is a shame that a grandfather would tackle his children,” he said.

    Umahi said that the opposition would not succeed in the state because the state was neat and did not need to be ‘swept.

    “We have been holding the umbrella for an old man who was under the umbrella for eight years and we will take him to the boundaries of Ebonyi to sweep.

    “We are standing on God’s mandate and not shaking because over 10,000 people are praying for us day and night to succeed and take the state to another level, “ he said.

    Umahi commended the president for agreeing that the country needed to be restructured and noted that such stance had established a platform for Nigerians to discuss their agitations.

    “We will now talk, disagree, agree and arrive at decisions that will take the nation to greater heights and achieve the desired unity and development,” he said.

    Mr Augustine Nwankwagu, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, said the party was to celebrate God’s mercies since the state’s creation and the successes of the governor.

    The governor has been heavily criticised for his actions by the opposition, with his predecessor, Chief Martin Elechi, who decamped from PDP to APC, leading the critics.

    Elechi during a recent interview told newsmen that he did not support Umahi’s emergence as governor and would not support his re-election  for a second term in office.

  • APC named Ngige, others as Nwoye campaign members

    APC named Ngige, others as Nwoye campaign members

    The All Progressives Congress ( APC ) in Anambra on Sunday named Dr Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Productivity as the state chairman of Dr Tony Nwoye 2017 Governorship Campaign Organisation.

    The minister of Labour and Productivity is to be assisted by Chief George Muoghalu as vice chairman.

    More than 50 other persons were named as chairmen and vice chairmen of various directorates of the campaign organisation by the party.

    Mr Emeka Ibe, the Anambra State Chairman of APC, who announced  the membership  before inaugurating the committee, charged them to commit their time and resources to the success of Nwoye governorship project.

    Ibe said that the party has a capable candidate that would  make history in the Nov.18 governorship election in the state.

    NAN reports that all the aspirant of the Anambra governorship race except Sen. Andy Uba were named as members of the campaign organisation.

    Mr Osita Ezenwa, the Director-General of the Nwoye Campaign Organisation commended the composition of the various sub-committees.

    He said that there was a lot of work to be done and added that the party would make the desired change in the governance of Anambra.

    “We must all work hard and together in the task of seeing to the success of our candidate, Dr Tony Nwoye, in the Nov.18 election so that on Nov.19 we all will rejoice that we have finally won’’, he said.

    The National Secretariat of  APC had earlier named Gov Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi  State  as the national chairman of Nwoye Campaign Organisation.

    NAN

  • APC slams Fayose over declaration of presidential ambition

    APC slams Fayose over declaration of presidential ambition

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has criticised Governor Ayo Fayose for declaring his intention to contest the 2019 presidential election while he is owing workers in the state salaries and allowances ranging from six to eight months.

    The party described the governor’s action as the height of insensitivity to the people’s plight and an “irresponsible conduct to behave as if Ekiti State treasury is a personal estate for private comfort.”

    In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti by the Publicity Secretary of APC, Taiwo Olatunbosun, the party flayed the governor for “being blind to the sufferings of workers while pursuing self-promoting presidential ambition.”

    He said it was unconscionable for the governor to keep deceiving workers on the state’s poor finances to endure suffering while he enjoyed full life with his family and pursue mundane fancies without sparing a thought for the sufferings of the people.

    Olatunbosun said: “It is the height of wickedness for Fayose to always call teachers to meetings like he did this week to brainwash them on the state’s poor finances and later give them N1,500 pittance for transport until the next brainwashing session with these teachers on empty stomachs while he enjoys full life misapplying state’s money for his fancies.

    “This is more condemnable against the backdrop of facts available to Ekiti people that Fayose has been awarding contracts at over-bloated costs to his friends outside Ekiti State, contrary to his promise to patronise indigenous contractors during his campaigns.

    He contended that the money the state had collected since the governor assumed office was enough to make the people happy if he had applied the money honestly and transparently, adding that Thursday’s declaration of his presidential ambition was meant to distract the people from alleged funds mismanagement in pursuit of a selfish ambition.

    “The presidential declaration is a distraction to keep Ekiti busy from keeping attention to his illegality in the application of Ekiti money for selfish purposes and a ploy to embark on whipping up sentiments to escape justice in his misapplication of Ekiti money.

    “We urge the EFCC to be meticulous in their investigation into how the governor misapplied bailout of N20b, CBN’s N2b loan for small-scale enterprises, N10b loan for projects, N2.8b UBEC/Subeb counterpart fund (which was not matched by the state government), monthly allocation from the Federation Account to Local government councils and Paris Club cash that he has diverted to his ill-motivated projects for selfish motives while Ekiti people go to bed on empty stomachs.”