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Tag: Fayemi

  • Stop persecuting Fayemi, protesters tell Fayose

    Stop persecuting Fayemi, protesters tell Fayose

    Some Ekiti State youths have defended former governor and Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, against the decision of the state government to raise a judicial panel of enquiry to probe his administration.

    This came barely 24 hours when some students from tertiary institutions in the state urged Fayemi not to use a court injunction to stop the probe.

    They advised the former governor to defend himself against allegation by the House of Assembly that he diverted funds during his tenure.

    The placard-carrying youths, under the aegis of Ekiti Youth Vanguard, staged a peaceful protest yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    They noted that the setting up of the panel was a “desperate move to nail Fayemi by all means and persecute him for political reasons”.

    The youths urged Governor Ayo Fayose to respect the rule of law, as Fayemi had filed two separate cases in court over the plan to probe him.

    They said the panel cannot be trusted to be just to Fayemi, adding that its members are acolytes of the governor with an assignment to indict the minister.

    Some of their placards read: “Fayose, Go; Ekiti People Are Tired of You”; “Fayose, Stop Persecuting Fayemi”; “Fayose,;Resign, Ekiti Economy Has Collapsed”; “Obey the Rule of Law” and “Ekiti Pensioners Are Dying.”

    Others are: “Confusion in Ekiti Government House, Who is in Charge, Fayose or Aregbesola?”; “We Support Buhari’s Policies; Fayose Must Stop Vicious Attacks Against Buhari” and “Is Rauf Aregbesola Acting Governor of Ekiti?”

    The group’s Coordinator Charles Fakunle said the planned probe was a ploy to divert the attention of the people from Fayose’s alleged failure to provide good governance.

     

     

    He said: “Fayose is looking for a scapegoat for his failure to meet the needs of Ekiti people by diverting public attention from this failure to nail an innocent man.

    “Fayemi borrowed N25 billion bond and paid back N14 billion before leaving office. Fayose accused Fayemi of a debt of N86 billion, which the Debt Management Office (DMO) in the Federal Ministry of Finance authenticated as N18 billion.

    “Ekiti people must not fall into Fayose’s trap of deceit to implicate an innocent man to divert attention from this deceit. Ekiti economy has collapsed under Fayose.

    “He has closed down businesses, including banks, and he has destroyed filling stations, forcing job losses among Ekiti people…

    “Fayose has lost control in Ekiti State, compounded the people’s woes, including inflicting unnecessary fuel strike crisis he could not handle its resolution amicably until he got help from Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State.”

     

     

  • Fayose’s panel to probe Fayemi begins work

    Fayose’s panel to probe Fayemi begins work

    •Ex-governor: probe is exercise in futility

    Ekiti State government has constituted a seven-man Judicial Commission of Enquiry to probe financial and contractual transactions during the administration of former Governor Kayode Fayemi between October 2010 and October 2014.

    Governor Ayo Fayose was absent at the inauguration of the panel yesterday. He was represented by his deputy, Kolapo Olusola. His speech was read by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Dr. Modupe Alade.

    Other members of the panel are Gbemiga Adaramola (Secretary), Mrs.

    Bolanle Awe, Idowu Ayenimo, Vincent Omodara, Blessing Oladele, Oluremi

    Adesoba and S.B.J. Bamise (to act as counsel).

    The panel has six terms of reference, which include investigation of receipt and disbursement of statutory allocations, financial transactions between 2010 and 2014, receipt of Universal Basic Education

    Commission (UBEC) funds and the amount of loans, and how they were utilised during the period.

    The panel has three months to conclude its assignment.

    The SSG said the panel would be fair to all, stressing that it was set up “in compliance with the resolution of the House of Assembly and pursuant to the powers conferred on Mr. Governor in Section 2 of the Ekiti State Commission of Enquiry Cap C10 Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.”

    She said: “This is no witch-hunt because the Assembly, conferred with the power to look into the finances of the state, has invited ex-Governor John Kayode Fayemi to clarify issues bordering on the finances of the state, such as the SUBEB funds, which was mismanaged and others. But despite being invited three times, he has refused to honour the invitation.”

    Reacting through his Special Assistant on Media, Olayinka Oyebode, Fayemi described the setting up of the panel “as an exercise in futility, which is at variance with the laws of the land, which make it subjudice for anyone to entertain a matter that is already before a court of competent jurisdiction.”

    He said Fayose was aware of pendency of two cases on the probe of his predecessor at a Federal Capital Territory High Court and an Ado-Ekiti Federal High Court, insisting that it would be subjudice to

    go ahead with the probe when the matter was before two courts.

    Oyebode said Governor Fayose’s decision to go ahead with the inauguration of the panel, while two cases arising from the planned probe were pending in court, was presumptuous and ill-advised.

    He said: “It is obvious Governor Fayose is desperate to probe the administration of his predecessor, Dr. Fayemi, for personal vendetta. Yet, he is advised to be guided by the rule of law and decency in this wild goose chase.

    “The governor and members of the panel are reminded that the two cases involving the House of Assembly, its leadership and top officials of the present administration are pending in an Abuja

    High Court and a Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti, thus making it an act of illegality for another panel to look into the matter.

    “The governor is advised to concentrate on the serious task of governance and refrain from shadow chasing, which the present pursuit of personal vendetta through a kangaroo committee represents.”

     

  • Lawmakers urge Fayose to probe Fayemi for ‘mismanagement’

    Lawmakers urge Fayose to probe Fayemi for ‘mismanagement’

    Ekiti State House of Assembly has passed a resolution empowering Governor Ayo Fayose to set up an administrative panel of enquiry or a judicial panel of enquiry to probe his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

    The House, at its plenary yesterday, presided over by the Speaker Kola Oluwawole, said the Panel would probe the alleged mismanagement of N852 million State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) funds and other alleged financial impropriety.

    The Leader of Business, Tunji Akinyele (Oye 2), said the panel was necessary because Fayemi, now a minister of Mines and Steel Development, refused to honour three invitations, adding that the inspector-general of Police failed to execute a warrant of arrest issued against him.

    The Deputy Chief Whip, Dayo Akinleye (Ijero), said the House was empowered under sections 128 (2b) and 129 of the 1999 Constitution to investigate the finances of the state, noting that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the police have failed to bring the minister to justice.

    House Committee Chairman on Finance and Appropriation Abiola Jeje (Ido/Osi 2) said besides the N852 million SUBEB funds, Fayemi must clear his name before the panel on the Awo-Eyio Road contract and Ado Ekiti flower project.

    The House Committee Chairman on Information, Samuel Omotoso (Oye 1), enjoined Acting President Yemi Osinbajo to remove Fayemi from the cabinet for refusing to honour the Assembly.

    He said the House petitioned the EFCC twice to probe Fayemi, alleging that the anti-graft agency did not take action.

    Omotoso said the ex-governor’s failure to appear before the lawmakers was an “affront on the constitution.”

    After the debate, Akinyele moved a motion compelling the Executive to raise either an administrative panel of enquiry or a judicial commission of enquiry to investigate Fayemi’s handling of the state’s finances and execution of projects. The motion was seconded by Jeje.

    The Speaker put the motion to voice vote and the lawmakers said “ayes”, after which the presiding officer banged the gavel.

  • Ooni, Fayose, Fayemi, others grace Ekiti coronation anniversary

    Ooni, Fayose, Fayemi, others grace Ekiti coronation anniversary

    Ilawe-Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti Southwest local government, area came alive  yesterday as the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi led other eminent personalities to witness the 5th coronation anniversary of the Alawe, Oba AdebanjiAjibadeAlabi.

    The ceremony was also attended by Governor Ayo Fayose, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; his wife, Bisi, traditional rulers, political officer holders and religious leaders.

    The event featured cultural dances and homage to the monarch by various interest groups in Ilawe.

    Oba Ajibade who was installed as the Alawe during the administration of ex-Governor Fayose in April 2012, called on all the indigenes of the town to develop their community.

    The Alawe expressed satisfaction that the town has witnessed massive infrastructural development since his ascension.

    He said the community is proud that its sons and daughters are reaching pinnacle of their professions, which is rubbing off on the development of their hometown.

    While expressing gratitude to Fayose for the ongoing dualisation of the township road,Alabi called for the construction of Ilawe-Ikere Road.

    Ogunwusi, urged the people to be united saying development can only take place in an atmosphere of peace.

    He said he was happy that the Ilawe people are bonded by love and unity.

    The Arole Oodua prayed for the people of the community also wished the entire Yoruba land and Nigeria peace, progress and development.

    The Ooni also urged Ilawe indigenes to continue to support their monarch.

    Two natives of the town, popular musician, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz and a medical doctor, Lamide Orekunrin, were honoured with awards of excellence.

  • Embrace love, Fayemi charges

    Embrace love, Fayemi charges

    The Minister of Mines and Steel Development; Kayode Fayemi; has urged Christians to imbibe the spirit of love, perseverance and sacrifice, which the Lord Jesus Christ exhibited in ensuring the salvation of humanity.
    The mMinister, in his Easter message by his Special Assistant on Media, Yinka Oyebode, congratulated Christians for the successful completion of the Lenten season, a period of 40 days of fasting and prayer that culminated in the Easter celebration.
    He called on Nigerians to imbibe and reflect on the lessons associated with the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
    He also urged them to use the opportunity to pray for God’s intervention in the affairs of the country, especially in bringing lasting solution to its economic challenges and making it a better nation.
    Fayemi said Easter symbolises sacrifice and service to God and humanity and urged Nigerians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ who laid down his life for mankind.
    He urged Christians to continue living in harmony with adherents of other religions, stressing that this would go a long way in making Nigeria a truly peaceful and prosperous nation. “Our challenges are surmountable, if we unite, love one another, remain resolute, committed, patient and hopeful,” he added.
    Urging Christians and the citizens in general to pray for the country, the Minister said our country is going through difficult times occasioned by economic downturn.
    “We should persevere in prayers for our leaders at all levels and the country for divine wisdom to enable us surmount all our socio-political and economic challenges. “This time requires more patience, sacrifice, prayers and a renewed hope in the Nigerian nation.
    “We have passed through even more difficult situations before and we shall triumph over this too as we remain committed to actualising the much desired change,” Fayemi stated.

  • Alleged removal plot: Fayose free to entertain himself, says Fayemi

    Alleged removal plot: Fayose free to entertain himself, says Fayemi

    •Governor’s aide: you are living in fool’s paradise

    Former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said his successor, Ayo Fayose, is running a comedy show following the allegation that he (Fayemi) is plotting to use the judiciary to unseat him.

    Fayemi, who is minister of Mines and Steel Development, said he was not prepared to respond to the antics of Fayose, saying he would not allow his personality to be dragged into the mud.

    The former governor spoke at the weekend in a chat with reporters in Ado-Ekiti when he visited the family of his late deputy, Mrs. Funmilayo Olayinka, on her father’s death, Chief Festus Obafemi Famuagun.

    The minister was accompanied by his wife, Erelu Bisi, his former deputy, who has just been appointed chairman, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Dupe Adelabu, some All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains and aides.

    Fayose last week accused Fayemi of enlisting some Supreme Court judges in a plot to reverse the June 21, 2014 governorship election.

    Fayemi said he would not want to dignify Fayose with any reply, adding that he will  not stop the governor from entertaining the world with his comedy.

    He said: “I have told you severally that I won’t discuss the present Government of Ekiti State on any issue. And on this issue, I won’t dignify him with a response.

    “This is a free world, as you know anybody can propagate any giddy or ideal as he deems fit. I don’t belong to the mud and I don’t want to be dragged into the mud.

    “He is free to say whatever he likes and just let him continue to entertain the people or himself.

    “You know that I would never join issues with Governor Fayose. He is entitled to his opinion and he is free to entertain himself. So, let him continue to entertain himself. At the appropriate time, he would meet his comeuppance.

    “I don’t belong in the mud. So, he cannot drag me to the mud. Truth is always constant and I know posterity is there to judge.”

    Speaking on the life and times of Pa Famuagun, Fayemi said his death was a personal loss to him, describing him as a close confidant. He said the deceased’s wise counsel and candor would be missed.

    Fayemi added: “Pa Famuagun was not just a father, he was a confidant. We thank God for his life because he served God and humanity. Even at old age, he kept on sending messages to me and asking after everybody.

    “His death to me was like losing a loved one. But we will emulate his good virtues and this I believe was the best we can do to honour him.”

    But the Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to

    Fayose, Mr. Lere Olayinka, said Fayemi never won any election in Ekiti and that he is only a democrat by court appointment.

    He said: “He will continue to live in the fool’s paradise concerning his scandalous defeat in the June 21, 2014 governorship election.”

    Olayinka, who was reacting to Fayemi’s statement on Saturday that “at the appropriate time, he (Governor Fayose) would meet his comeuppance (punishment),” described Fayemi as a “serial betrayal of confidence whose political future will remain bleak, having betrayed his number one political benefactor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.”

    “If there is anyone that deserves to meet both physical and divine punishment, that person is Kayode Fayemi, who plunged Ekiti State intodebt by stealing the state blind and betrayed someone like Asiwaju Tinubu, who made him governor,” Olayinka said.

    He added: “Since Fayemi has never won any election in Ekiti and he became governor through judicial manipulation, he can never appreciate democracy. Even the primary election that gave him the Action Congress (AC) governorship ticket in 2006 was manipulated in his favour.”

    The governor’s spokesperson, who challenged Fayemi to file his case at the Supreme Court, said: “We will meet him there and surely, he will be defeated as usual.”

  • Fayemi’s late deputy’s dad dies

    A community leader in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, Chief Festus Obafemi Famuagun, died yesterday at 88.

    Pa Famuagun is the father of the late Deputy Governor, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adunni Olayinka.

    Mrs. Olayinka, who served as deputy to former Governor Kayode Fayemi, died on April 6, 2013.

    Relations, neighbours and associates have been trooping to the deceased’s house in Irona.

    A picture and a condolence register were placed in front of the house.

    Some residents were discussing the near similarity on the dates of death of the old man and his daughter.

    A statement by the son of the deceased, Segun Famuagun and Sasere of Ado Ekiti, on behalf of the family, said funeral arrangements would be announced later.

  • Fayemi plotting my removal, says Fayose

    Fayemi plotting my removal, says Fayose

    •Minister: allegation laughable

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has accused his predecessor Dr Kayode Fayemi of plotting to “come back to power through the backdoor”.
    Fayose alleged that Fayemi and his allies in the Presidency were working with three Supreme Court judges to invalidate the June 21, 2014 governorship election to bring Fayemi back to power.
    The governor, who addressed a briefing yesterday at the Osuntokun Lodge, Government House, Ado-Ekiti, vowed to resist any attempt to steal the mandate given to him.
    He accused Fayemi, who is Minister of Mines and Steel Development, of “name dropping” and attempting to subvert democracy and turning Ekiti to a banana republic.
    But the minister’s Special Assistant (Media) Olayinka Oyebode said the governor would not be dignified with any response.
    He described the governor’s allegation as “laughable”.
    Oyebode said: “The allegation is laughable, we will not want to dignify his allegation with any response. The wicked runneth when nobody pursueth.”
    Fayose said one of the Supreme Court justices recently arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) alleged that Fayemi’s friend came to lobby him to assist in reversing the result.
    Alluding to an interview in the March 26 edition of ThisDay where Fayemi described the election as “unfinished business”, Fayose said he raised the alarm because the alleged plot “has now reached an advanced stage”.
    Speaking during a question and answer session with reporters, the governor said an intelligence report showed that underhand tactics to “unhorse” him were about to be unleashed.

  • Fayemi colluding with Supreme Court judges to sack me – Fayose

    Fayemi colluding with Supreme Court judges to sack me – Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has accused his predecessor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, of plotting to “come back to power through the backdoor,” by enlisting the support of the judiciary to reverse his victory in the June 21, 2014 governorship election in the state.

    Fayose alleged that Fayemi and his allies in the Presidency are working with three Supreme Court judges to invalidate the 2014 governorship election result and bring the Minister of Solid Minerals back to power and suppress the electoral wishes of Ekiti people.

    The governor, who addressed a press conference on Monday at the Osuntokun Lodge, Government House, Ado Ekiti, vowed to resist any attempt to steal the mandate given to him in what he described as “free, fair and credible election recommended as a model by international community, local and foreign election observers.”

    He accused Fayemi of “name dropping” attempting to subvert democracy and turning Ekiti to a banana republic.

    But the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Olayinka Oyebode, said Fayose would not be dignified with any response, describing the governor’s allegation as “laughable.”

    Oyebode said: “The allegation is laughable, we will not want to dignify his allegation with any response. The wicked runneth when nobody pursueth.”

    Fayose said one of the Supreme Court justices recently arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in a midnight sting operation alleged that a friend of Fayemi came to lobby him (the judge) to assist in reversing the 2014 governorship election result.

    Alluding to an interview Fayemi granted THIS DAY newspaper in the edition of March 26, 2017 where the former governor reportedly described the 2014 governorship election as “unfinished business”, Fayose said he had to raise alarm because the alleged plot “has now reached an advanced stage.”

    Apart from the newspaper interview, Fayose also claimed that Fayemi in meetings with chieftains and members of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) had boasted that he (Fayose) would be removed from office very soon.

    He vowed not to back down from being the voice of opposition in Nigeria, advising the APC -led Federal Government to always do what is right and make life easier for Nigerians.

     

  • Fayemi praises Lafarge’s industrial power generation

    Fayemi praises Lafarge’s industrial power generation

    •Firm offers support in solving energy problem 

    The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi, has called on Lafarge Africa, a construction solutions provider in Nigeria, to support the Federal Government’s drive towards ensuring adequate power generation and distribution, particularly in industrial hubs.

    Fayemi, who made the request during a recent working visit to Lafarge Africa’s Ewekoro Cement plant, praised the company for its efforts at generating sufficient power for its operations across the country, especially through the use of biomass. He also praised the cement manufacturer for its initiative of recycling palm kernel shells, which are waste material, as biomass to generate power for the kilns used in making cement.

    According to the minister, the use of biomass in any production process saves money that would have been used to buy fuel and foreign exchange. He assured that although presently, the power generated from Lafarge’s biomass plant generates half of the energy used in firing its kilns, they will ultimately get to 100 per cent.

    “An environment-friendly production site is something to take away from Lafarge Africa here in Ogun State and I hope there are lessons to take on board. That is not to say that coal should not be used because we have coal in Nigeria that will also save us foreign exchange,” Fayemi said.

    Reiterating the importance of power generation for existing and new factories as being critical, Fayemi also noted that power is an essential need for Nigerians, that is why government is desperately in need of adding more to its generation in order to fuel plants and factories that are springing up.

    “Every day, you have a new company springing up and you want to ensure that there is enough power for those companies, whether it’s biomass, coal or natural gas or renewable energy, you what to ensure that you have enough power to use. So, for us, we are impressed with what we have seen and we want to support Lafarge Africa to expand its operations,” the Minister said.

    In his response, the Country CEO, Lafarge Africa Plc, Michel Puchercos, noted that the effects of the slowdown in the economy prompted the company to seek an alternative means to generate energy for its Ewekoro and other plants.

    “We realised last year that dollars was scarce and energy was scarce in Nigeria. So, the company reacted very strongly to the situation. We said to ourselves, how can we do both? We wanted to do both – keep on producing and saving energy and also getting US dollars.This is how the idea of using biomass came,” Puchercos explained.

    He further said that: “Ogun State being an agriculture hub as well, made it possible for us to produce 50 per cent power from biomass in 2016, which we can grow to 70 – 80 per cent. We aim to roll out the scheme in other plants- Ashaka, in Cross River  State, Gombe State and just across the road in Ewekoro II.”

    According to Puchercos, the production of biomass fuel from palm kernels isn’t restricted to recycling palm kernels. “Burning and recycling wastes like silica and aluminium which are dangerous to man can generate electricity and improve the standard of living. If Nigeria is ready, we are ready to support,” he assured.

    Lafarge Africa a member of LafargeHolcim, in partnership with Ogun State, inaugurated a biomass alternative fuel feeding system last September.  Using palm kernel shells, the plant generates about half of the energy requirement at Lafarge’s cement factory in Ewekoro. There are plans to replicate the technology in its plants across the country.