The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Fayemi

  • Cleric to Fayemi: learn from Fayose’s mistakes

    •Our govt will take care of all, says Egbeyemi

    An Islamic cleric, Alhaji Raheem Arikewuyo Olowoyo, has urged Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi to learn from the mistakes of his predecessor, Mr. Ayo Fayose, in exercising the powers given to him by the electorate.

    Olowoyo said those who in power will leave office one day and that they should always ponder on life after office.

    According to him, people in positions of power must learn from the fact that Fayose, who still wielded power of life and death a week ago, is now cooling his heels in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja.

    Olowoyo, who is the Awiye Adinni of Ekiti, noted that the transience of power should motivate those holding positions of leadership to do well and be accountable to people because of the inevitable day of reckoning.

    The cleric spoke yesterday at the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at the Government House, Ado-Ekiti, as part of activities marking the return to power of the Fayemi administration.

    The service was attended by the Deputy Governor Bisi Egbeyemi; wife of the governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Margaret Egbeyemi; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr. Adeniran Alagbada; traditional rulers, religious leaders and senior civil servants.

    The Awiye Adinni also led the Muslim prayer for the success of the new administration.

    Anglican Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Christopher Omotunde, prayed God not to allow Ahithophels to get into government and mislead the governor.

    Olowoyo said: “By this time last week, it was whoever Fayose wanted that would be allowed to enter this Government House and whoever he did not want would not be allowed in.

    “But where is Fayose today? Fayose is now a former governor; the governor there today will be a former governor tomorrow.

    “Three days have gone out of four years. That is how the four years will be reducing gradually. People are talking about good things and bad things Fayose did in power.

    “Fayemi is a good man and God has given him a wonderful woman as wife. They don’t underrate people. My prayer is that God will not allow evil people to be part of this government.”

    Delivering the Islamic sermon, the State Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Alhaji Baba Abdul Salam, described power as a “trial from God”.

    Abdul Salam urged leaders in the country to rule with justice and fair play, adding that Fayemi had begun well and must be supported with prayers to succeed.

    He said: “This is a good beginning. Fayemi is exposed; he has interacted with Presidents and world leaders and he has come to do well in his second term.”

    Delivering the Christian sermon, Ekiti Provincial Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Goke Buti, assured the gathering that the state would take its pride of place in Nigeria under Fayemi.

    Speaking on the topic, titled: Possess Your Possession, Buti prayed God that the Fayemi administration should not see any impossibility but go forth and do exploits for the people.

    He said: “In this administration, we should not see impossibility. It is time for God to make Ekiti great. We can overcome poverty, unemployment and other problems confronting this state.”

    On behalf of the governor, who was attending a Governors’ Forum meeting in Abuja, Egbeyemi assured the residents that the new government will not discriminate in making people feel the impact of governance.

    Egbeyemi said: “Whether you are a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or any other party, if your children are in public schools, they will enjoy free education because this government is a friend to everybody.

    “We will do more than what we did during the first tenure. I moved round with the governor during the campaign and there are projects to show in all towns and villages.

    “We have said we are not probing anybody, but we want to look into the books because workers want us to pay them, pensioners want us to pay tem and we are going to work out how we will pay them.

    “An emaciated child cannot be fed to become robust in one day. We will be doing it gradually. We want our spiritual fathers to keep on praying for us to succeed in this task.”

     

     

  • Photos: Buhari receives Fayemi in Abuja

    President Muhammadu Buhari receives Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State at the State House, Abuja.

    Buhari and Fayemi

    Buhari and Fayemi

    Read Also: Buhari, security chiefs meet over 2019 elections

    Buhari and Fayemi

    Buhari and Fayemi

     

  • Fish out killers of APC Chieftain, Fayemi charges Police

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has directed security agencies in the state to fish out killers of the Treasurer of the state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), Elder Moses Adeoye, who was killed by gunmen at his Otun Ekiti residence on Tuesday night.

    Elder Moses who was until recently chairman of the party in Moba Local Government, was trailed to his residence by the gunmen who later shot him in the presence of his family members.

    The Governor, had upon hearing the sad news, directed all the security agencies in the state to ensure that the killers are apprehended and made to face the music.

    Dr Fayemi vowed to get to the root of the matter, stressing that anyone found to be connected in one way or the other with the killing would be dealt with decisively.

    He said his administration would work with security agencies to put an end to the spate of assassination and violence in the state.

    Meanwhile, the Governor has commiserated with the family of the deceased, assuring them of justice in the matter.

    Read Also: Ekiti APC Treasurer shot dead while eating

    Dr Fayemi who was out of the state on official duty when the incident occurred, described the death of the APC chieftain as sad and devastating. He pledged government’s support for the family.

    The Governor’s condolence message was delivered to the family by a high power delegation comprising the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Biodun Oyebanji; Chief of Staff, Hon Biodun Omoleye; and Chief Alaba Abejide.

    The delegation later visited the Palace of Oore of Otun, Oba Adedapo Oladele Popoola and the party secretariat, where they also delivered the governor’s condolence message.

  • Fayemi attends NEC meeting

    The new Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi was among state governors that attended the National Economic Council ( NEC ) meeting.

    The meeting was chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday.

    Fayemi was sworn in as Executive Governor of Ekiti State on Tuesday.

    He arrived the Council Chamber venue of the meeting around 10.54a.m

    Fayemi was the centre of attractions as he stepped into the hall being the first time he was attending the NEC meeting under the current dispensation.

    Read Also: N900m money laundering: Shekarau back in Court

    He went round the hall to have hand shake with his colleagues.

    Cameramen and photographers had a field day taking his shots at he moved from one point to the other.

    The meeting started around 11.05a.m when Vice President Yemi Osinbajo called for rendition of the National anthem.

    The opening Muslims prayer was offered by the Niger State Governor, Sani Bello.

  • Free meals for Ekiti pupils as from December, says Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday ordered an immediate cancellation of the education development levy imposed by the last administration on pupils across the state.

    The governor also said pupils in public schools will begin to enjoy free meals before December.

    He wondered why underage children should be made to pay levies when their parents are paying taxes.

    According to him, government will not add to the burden of the already traumatised parents as a result of the harsh economy and unpaid salaries inflicted by the last administration.

    Fayemi broke the cheery news at the town hall meetings in Ekiti North and Ekiti South senatorial districts as part of activities marking his inauguration.

    The town hall meetings, which were held in Ido-Ekiti, senatorial headquarters of Ekiti North, and Ikere-Ekiti, senatorial headquarters of Ekiti South, received loud ovation from the crowd.

    The governor promised that workers will henceforth get their salaries on time while efforts will be made to clear the arrears owed them and retirees.

    Fayemi said the cancellation of fees and levy imposed by the last administration was meant to bring relief to parents and make education more accessible to the indigent and the less-privileged.

    The governor noted that it is wrong, ungodly and immoral to owe workers and still ask them to pay levies and fees for their children.

    The Ayodele Fayose administration, in 2015, imposed N500 on pupils in public and private primary schools and N1,000 on pupils in public and private secondary schools.

    The move sparked outrage across the state.

    The Catholic Diocese of Ekiti sued the Fayose administration and lost at the State High Court, but it is challenging the verdict at the Court of Appeal, Ado-Ekiti, where judgment is yet to be entered.

    Fayemi said he had been inundated with text messages, since he was sworn in on Tuesday, as party members were asking when the caretaker committees would be constituted at the local government levels.

    The governor said the welfare of Ekiti people is paramount to him, promising that priority would be given to the payment of arrears of workers’ salaries.

    He said: “As we are taking care of politicians, we must also take care of workers. That is why we have now cancelled all fees and taxes paid in our schools.

    “We will not owe salaries. The October salary will be paid in October; November salary will be paid in November. But as for the arrears we met on the ground, we will work out modalities to clear them.

    “You cannot owe salaries and also compel them to pay their children’s school fees. During our first tenure, our people enjoyed free education. Before December, our children will be enjoying free meals in our schools.

    “An old person asked me at Isan after the swearing-in of Tuesday, when the payment of monthly stipends to the aged persons will commence.

    “I have given my word that the social security for the elderly will return. But we will first examine our books and know the state of our finances to know when it will start. But it will not take so long.”

    He canvassed unity among All Progressives Congress (APC) members to go into next year’s general elections as a united house and a formidable force.

    The governor advised the party’s candidates to be magnanimous in victory and work with the losers ahead of the general elections.

    Fayemi counselled APC primary winners to visit those they contested against and mend fences with them.

    He stressed that the winners are candidates of the party and not his (Fayemi’s) candidates, hence all hands should be on deck to ensure their victory.

    The governor emphasised that the APC must win all the 26 House of Assembly seats, 6 House of Representatives seats and three Senate seats at the general elections.

    Fayemi urged Ekiti electorate to vote massively for President Muhammadu Buhari to enable the state enjoy many benefits from the APC-led Federal Government.

  • New dawn here, says Fayemi as he takes oath of office

    Buhari, governors, Tinubu, diplomats at colourful event

    JOHN Kayode Fayemi,  scholar, politician and activist, was yesterday sworn into office as governor of Ekiti State.

    He promised residents of the “Fountain of Knowledge” a new dawn.

    Standing before thousands of people, including dignitaries and excited ordinary folks, at the packed Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Fayemi promised to turn around the “Land of Honour” with a four-point agenda.

    He is coming into office for the second time, after losing his re-election bid in 2014.

    Leading the army of dignitaries at the colourful ceremony was President Muhammadu Buhari, who said Ekiti people made no mistake in electing Fayemi. He promised to support the new administration to develop the state and make life easier for its people.

    Buhari, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, promised that Ekiti will enjoy cash support and projects under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.

    The oath of allegiance and the oath of office were administered on Dr. Fayemi, with his wife, Bisi, by his side, by the Chief Judge, JusticeAyodeji Daramola, at about 12.25 pm.

    Justice Daramola had earlier swore in the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, who was also accompanied by his wife, Margaret, at about 12.12 pm.

    Fayemi won the July 14 governorship election by defeating the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate and immediate past Deputy Governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola and candidates of 33 other political parties.

    The governor polled 197, 459 votes to beat Olusola who garnered 178, 022 votes.

    Before taking the oath of office, Fayemi was driven round the arena in a Land Rover, a police ceremonial vehicle, acknowledging cheers from the appreciative crowd.

    He also inspected a police guard of honour.

    Fayemi promised to turn around Ekiti by concentrating on four cardinal policies.

    These, according to him, are agriculture and rural development, social investment, infrastructure development and knowledge economy.

    Fayemi, who reiterated that he is not on a vengeance mission, promised to review all documents to know the exact financial situation of the state and make his findings known within 100 days.

    The former Minister of Mines and Steel Development said he will ensure that the payment of arrears of workers’ salaries is fully and firmly addressed as soon as possible.

    The governor said his victory at the July 14 governorship poll and his regaining the highest office in the state signalled the “end of an era and end of an error in which Ekiti passed through wilderness in the last four years.”

    Fayemi said the social security scheme for the aged in which registered senior citizens received N5,000 monthly stipend will soon return. The announcement received a thunderous applause.

    He promised to bring succour to the citizenry by eliminating corruption.

    While pledging to review the state of the treasury, Fayemi said the action will not be taken in a vindictive manner but to ensure that public funds are accounted for.

    Fayemi disclosed that Ekiti is owing N170 billion, which are loans taken by the immediate past administration, noting that the challenge won’t hinder his government’s plan to meet the needs of the people.

    The governor said never again shall pupils in public and private schools be made to pay tax that was imposed on them by the Ayo Fayose administration.

    Fayemi promised to bring relief to the people by executing policies that will improve their standards of living which, according to him, worsened under Fayose.

    Fayemi assured his audience that the famous Ikogosi Warm Spring resort, a reputable tourist destination, which was allegedly left to rot away by the Fayose administration will be revived.

    He said: “In the last four years, Ekiti was governed by a rudderless, inept and egregiously corrupt government, which was led by those who deceived our people through the instrument of stomach infrastructure.

    “In this context, never again will Ekiti slip into the hands of those who knew nothing about governance; never again shall we allow our school children to pay taxes; never again shall we abandon the burgeoning resources at Ikogosi Warm Spring to waste.

    “Never again shall we allow our judiciary to be debased by a draconian government and never again shall the most educated state like Ekiti be an apostle of stomach infrastructure that has made us a laughing stock.

    “In our quests for economic rejuvenation,  our government shall invest heavily in Youth in Commercial Agriculture, because Ekiti is basically agrarian, reactivate community based projects, tap into our tourist potential and ensure security of local and foreign investors.”

    The governor went on: “As of today, the debt profile and other financial commitments hanging on the state look challenging, but with your support, we shall overcome. The light shall shine again.

    “We shall celebrate our core values of scholarship, knowledge, hard work, unity and strong characters bequeathed to us by our founding fathers.

    “We appreciate our fathers who fought for the creation of this state in 1996 and I want to assure them that we shall keep the flag flying and make sure we don’t disappoint them by fulfilling their dreams and aspirations within the next four years.

    “We shall network with the Federal Government and other local and international bodies to bring dividends of democracy Ekiti people deserve to their doorsteps.”

    While expressing confidence in Fayemi’s ability to deliver democratic dividends to Ekiti people, Buhari revealed that the governor, as a former member of the federal cabinet, always pestered him with issues of development of his home state.

    The President added that Fayemi’s governorship would afford him the opportunity to redirect Ekiti to the path of greatness and economic prosperity.

    Buhari pleaded with Ekiti voters over his re-election bid in 2019, saying he has a lot to offer Nigerians if reelected.

    He said: “I know Dr Fayemi very well, he has always cherished anything that has to do with the development of this state. As Ekiti governor between 2010 and 2014, he instituted some laudable projects that impacted positively on the lives of the people and this pavilion was one of them.

    “I know that he will do what is right to justify this mandate. I charge him not to relent in his efforts to serve Ekiti with passion, commitment and candour .

    “FG has given support to states in the areas of bailouts, budget support, ecological funds and Paris Club refund, of which Ekiti was a beneficiary.

    “We have extended the standard rail project to Ekiti and the construction of the Federal Secretariat  will soon be completed. The FG is also planning to dualise Ado-Akure road and reconstruct Ado-Ikare Road for the use of our people. We have also built another 133 KVA power source in Ekiti that will be commissioned soon.

    “As of today, 11,000 Ekiti indigenes are benefiting from the N-power programme of this administration.

    “We are confident that Dr. Fayemi will help cover the lost grounds brought by past administration. From today, you will begin to have a new breath in Ekiti under the present government.”

  • Fayemi: Second phase of rescue mission

    Former Minister of Mines and Steel Development Dr. Kayode Fayemi was sworn in yesterday as the governor of Ekiti State. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the challenges that will confront the administration.

    The second coming of Dr. Kayode Fayemi is significant in many ways. Four years ago, he lost power to former Governor Ayodele Fayose on controversial manner, despite his achievements across the sectors. His rescue mission was truncated. His legacies were not protected. The problems he had tackled returned. After comparing the two governments, many Ekiti were seized with nostalgia.

    Yesterday, he was back in the same saddle. His triumph at the poll underscored a sort of audacity of hope and courage. He is starting off his second term as if Ekiti is in pre-2014 stage. Fayemi is inheriting a divided state, the agony of unpaid salaries, a demoralised and dispirited civil service, the dearth of infrastructure, an army of restless and unemployed youths and a people who now have a demeaning view of governance, due to the confusing doctrine of stomach infrastructure.

    Many people are excited about the new era. There is euphoria. But, the governor is not oblivious of the task ahead. At the inauguration, he was bubbling with patriotic anger. “We have reclaimed our state from those who have held us captive,” he said, thanking God for making his second term a reality.

    Fayemi lamented the ineptitude of the last four years. He chided his predecessor for ignorance and alleged corruption that has pervaded the administration. Giving a hint about his intention to investigate the financial books, he said the N170 billion debt profile and the elephant projects pursued by Fayose, especially the bridges that lead to nowhere, were worrisome. He ruled out any regression to media trial. The governor said transparency and accountability will be restored.

    Fayemi said: “My coming back is not a revenge mission. We owe it a duty to ensure that we will not make the same mistake that has set us backward.”

    During the campaigns, the governor urged the people to anticipate the new dawn with optimism. He advised them to reject the continuity of poverty and embrace freedom. He said the eight-point agenda will be strengthened. Ahead of the inauguration, Fayemi was not idle. He had started wooing investors, assuring that a conducive environment will be provided in post-Fayose era. He visited the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) to discuss Federal Government’s infrastructure and assets in the state and ways of improving them. He was also in the office of the Minister of Interior, Lt-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, to seek cooperation and collaboration on security.

    Ekiti is noted for agriculture. Fayemi is thinking of how it can become an alternative source of income. This motivated his visit to the managing Director of the Nigeria Export-Import bank (NEXIM) on how to assist the rural economy to achieve a boom  through export of farm produce. He also held talks with the representatives of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, led by Managing Director Paul Basinga, who promised to partner with Ekiti in the development of its health sector. More important was his discussion with AGCO South Africa Limited, whose Vice President, Nuradin Osma, said the partnership will need to the creation of over 3,000 jobs for Ekiti youths. Also, at the Agence Francaise de Development (AFD), Fayemi sought for assistance in the implementation of his economic programmes.

    The governor also met with British Embassy officials in Abuja. He was able to discuss with the Head of DFID in Nigeria, Debbie Palmer, modalities for technical assistance for his programmes, in terms of enactment and enforcement of new laws for social protection. Apart from visiting the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, and Secretary to Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha for assistance in relevant areas, Fayemi also visited the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh, to discuss how the Federal Government can assist Ekiti in developing the sector. He also met the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Kertil Karslen, to discuss isues of economic development.

    Many challenges will confront the administration. The first is financial problem. How will fayemi clear the mess? How will he reposition and rebrand Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort? Will he resuscitate the welfare package for the aged?   Another challenge is the re-orientation of the people to move from their wild applause of crumbs falling from the master’s table to an appreciation of good governance.

     

  • Fayemi appoints SSG, Chief of Staff, CPS

    Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi has announced his first set of appointments.

    In a statement last night, the governor named Mr Abiodun Oyebanji as Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

    He also named Mr Biodun Omoleye as his Chief of Staff and Mr Yinka Oyebode as Chief Press Secretary (CPS).

    Oyebanji, a former university lecturer, previously served as Chief of Staff during the administration of Otunba Niyi Adebayo and was Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning during Fayemi’s first term.

    Omoleye, a former university administrator and former Chairman of Ijero Local Government Area, had also served as Special Adviser in the Governor’s Office.

    Oyebode, a seasoned journalist, served was the CPS to the governor during Fayemi’s first term. He later served as Special Adviser on Media to him when he was Minister of Mines and Steel Development.

    The appointments are with immediate effect.

     

  • Inauguration: Fayemi pledges to review abandoned projects in Ekiti

    The newly-sworn in Governor of Ekiti, Dr Kayode Fayemi, says he will promote and ensure sustainable development and review the commercial advantage of abandoned projects in the state with a view to reviving them.

    Fayemi made the pledge on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti shortly after taking oath of office for the second time as Governor of the state.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Fayemi, born on Feb.9, 1965, and a native of Isan-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area, had held the office of the state Governor between 2010 and 2014.

    Until his re-election at the July Ekiti State governorship election, he was Minister of Solid Minerals Development, from where he resigned to contest the election.

    He secured 197,459 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Olusola Eleka, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who scored 178,121 votes at the election.

    Fayemi won the election in 12 of the 16 local government areas in the state, while Eleka won in four local government areas.

    The results of the election marked a remarkable rebound for Fayemi, who as the then incumbent governor, was roundly defeated four years ago by immediate-past Gov. Ayodele Fayose.

    Fayemi in his second inaugural speech thanked the people of Ekiti for giving him the mandate to govern again, saying, “let us do this again, let us build Ekiti again“.

    He said his inauguration marked the beginning of an era of great achievements and development, and an administration that would also speak out the truth and lay it before the people.

    He, however, maintained that his coming back to office was not a revenge mission, but to heal and ensure true development in the state in the interest of the people.

    The governor said that his administration would take full responsibility of the challenges ahead, stressing that he would not rest until every challenge facing the state including non payment of workers’ salaries was addressed.

    Read Also: Thousands witness Fayemi’s inauguration in Ekiti

    He further said that his administration would promote and ensure sustainable development and make the state a safe haven for both foreign and local investors.

    “This is the day that the Lord has made and we will reclaim our lands from those that have held us captive, “ he said.

    NAN reports that Fayemi had lectured in Africa, Europe, America and Asia. He had also served as an adviser on transitional justice, regional integration, constitutionalism, security sector reform and civil-military relations issues to various governments.

    He had written on governance and democratisation, civil-military relations and security sector issues in Africa.

    Among his recent books are: Deepening the Culture of Constitutionalism: The Role of Regional Institutions in Constitutional Development in Africa (CDD 2003) and Security Sector Governance in Africa.

  • Thousands witness Fayemi’s inauguration in Ekiti

    Thousands of residents of Ekiti and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday thronged the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion to witness the swearing-in of Dr Kayode Fayemi and Chief Adebisi Egbeyemi as Governor and Deputy Governor of the state.

    Fayemi, a former Minister of Mines and Steel, was sworn in as the six governor of Ekiti, amid pomp and ceremony.

    He was sworn in by the Chief Judge of Ekiti, Ayodeji Daramola.

    The News Agency of Nigeria  reports that the deputy governor, Adebisi Egbeyemi took oath of office at exactly noon, while Fayemi took his at 12:20 p.m., amid ovations from the crowd.

    NAN reports that Fayemi served his first term as governor of the state between 2010 and 2014 under the platform of the defunct ACN.

    The 14,000-seater pavilion was already filled to capacity as early as 8 a.m. by residents and party loyalists from the 16 local government areas of the state.

    The early morning rain, which many regarded as a sign of good omen for the new government, did not stop people from attending the inauguration, as many were seen trekking long distances to get to the venue.

    The Chairman of the Tricycle Association of Nigeria, Ekiti chapter, Mr Akinola Talabi-Ifa, had earlier declared that passengers going for the inauguration would be conveyed free of charge throughout the state as part of the union’s contribution to success of the exercise.

    Most markets, shops and public offices were shut as traders and workers all moved to the pavilion to witness the ceremony.

    Read Also: Ekiti: Fayemi sworn-in as governor

    Aside from those inside the Pavilion, several others stayed outside as they could not gain entry to the pavilion.

    In carnival-like manner, men and women in different attires bearing the inscription and portrait of the new governor, sang his praises while dancing and drumming.

    Security in and around the venue was tight as men of the Nigerian Army, police, Customs, Civil Defence and many other security personel searched persons going into the venue at virtually all gates.

    President Muhammadu Buhari was represented at the occasion by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.

    Also present at the occasion were: Gov.Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi; Gov.Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State; Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and Gov.Abiola Ajumobi of Oyo State.