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Tag: Fayose

  • ‘I have no reason to fall out with Fayose’

    ‘I have no reason to fall out with Fayose’

    House of Representatives member Sunday Ayodele Oladimeji has debunked reports that he has fallen out with Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, in the buildup to the 2018 governorship election. In this interview with Dele Anofi, the lawmaker says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is sure of victory in the election. Excerpts

    WHY did you fall out with Governor Ayo Fayose? The media report that I have fallen out with Gov. Ayodele Fayose is completely false and I place the fault on the fourth estate of the realm that failed to do due diligence on the report before going to press. I say this because without the media, democracy cannot thrive but if reports were filed on falsehood or unfounded rumours, then there’s danger ahead. I don’t know where the story emanated from because in the first place, I represent my governor at the House of Representatives since we are from the same local government area. So, if I’m representing him, I don’t know how I could have fallen out with him; there’s no basis for that. In the first place, if the false news was because of the 2018 gubernatorial election, I am not contesting and I have not told anyone that I nurse such ambition and there is no one coming from my area contesting for the office. So, why would I have any reason to fall out with Governor Fayose? We have always had a good rapport, he is my leader and I follow him.

    But politics and politicians are unpredictable. Senator Olujimi’s factor could be an issue, don’t you think so?

    Let me make it clear that there is no wrong in anyone aspiring to further his or her political ambition. I personally cannot say Sen. Biodun Olujimi should not aspire to contest just like any other citizen of our state but I never had any discussion with Senator Olujimi on the subject. I have never taken part in any discussion about who and who should contest as next governor of our state. The point is that, the issue of Olujimi, among others that are also showing interest in the governorship contest, cannot be isolated. This is because there are a number of other people that are also showing interest. I know Dayo Adeyeye, Dare Bejide, so, Olujimi cannot be singled out. For whatever reason, whoever will emerge as the governorship candidate of the party cannot be a reason for me to fall out with the governor? It is never an issue.

    When it comes to politics, there are always groups with leaders, just like any other organisation where there must be a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to direct its affairs. It is the same with politics, and there must be a leader, notwithstanding the fact that everyone is a leader in his or her right, but there must be the overall leader that will give effect to the activities of the group because without a clear leader, survival of such a group is doomed. There must be somebody that takes decisions, even if in consultation with others when issues come up, that is the responsibility of the leader. The leader, from his vantage position sees further that the rest of the group, which determines the decisions he takes on behalf of the group, I believe that is what makes a leader. That is why when you look at the structure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, you will see that the party is lucky because it has a clear cut leader in the person of Governor Fayose. Yes, there is room for everyone to want to aspire to be leaders but we are lucky that our own leader has been able to coordinate the party well into a cohesive, focused group unlike other political parties that have no distinct leaders; I don’t want to mention names. That is why you see about 40, 50 people from the same party coming out to contest for one position, with everyone believing that he is a leader of the party. That is not the case with PDP in Ekiti; we surmounted that challenge a long time ago.

    Could it be said that it was the seeming crack in the party that was responsible for the said story?

    Even if there is a perceived crack in the leadership of the party, I want to believe that it is incumbent on the reporter to balance his story by getting the view of the principal actors in the story to react before going to press. That was not the case in this instance. My name was mentioned but my opinion was never sought on the issue, only for me to read it in the news. Even if there is a crack or crisis, people are bound to belong to groups, but any story relating to that crisis must be verified before telling the world about it. My professional callings as an Auditor dictate that I must verify queries before my final report.

    If not for mischief, two weeks ago, I was in the state; the governor was not around on Monday when I came in. By Wednesday, I was with him, same thing on Thursday till in the afternoon when I had to leave for Lagos. He was aware of my going to Lagos and the reason behind it; he even endorsed my going for the trip. If I enter Ekiti today, I must surely be with him, so why would someone just come up with such spurious allegations? I want to tell you that politics has a lot of faces. The report anchored the falling out on the fact that I was not present at the governor’s coronation event but that was a big goof just because the reporter did not do a balanced job.

    With Fayose serving his last term, how would you rate the chances of PDP in the 2018 governorship poll?

    PDP’s chances in Ekiti are very bright and our victory at the 2018 polls is assured. I say this because the governor has laid the foundation for a bright future for the state. Another thing going for PDP in Ekiti is the fact that we have a cohesive front now and same can’t be said of other parties. You can see that from the numerous contestants from the same party gunning for the one ticket. It is not like that with us and that is an advantage.

    Is that the justification for Fayose’s endorsement of his deputy for the governorship election?

    Yes, it is all about keeping the legacy going; that is why in advanced democracies, no one wants to know who is in government as long as good governance is sustained. It is different in Nigeria and that is why we clamour for continuity for the survival and sustenance of the projects and programmes of the outgoing government. This is because we are in the habit of jettisoning the programmes of previous governments to start new ones. Well, that is not entirely wrong because it is difficult to fill the shoes of a big man and in order not to be seen as ineffective or inept, we tend to start on a clean slate. It is not even entirely incorrect as the previous government may even cynically campaign that the incumbent has no ideas of its own but basking in the achievements of its predecessor. If you look at Lagos State for instance, especially since 1999, they have the fortune of continuity and that is why the foundation of most of the programmes laid by Asiwaju Tinubu is being built upon by his successors.  The transportation system, and BRT for instance among several initiatives has proved the advantage in continuity and it has really improved the lot of the state. If today another party takes over Lagos, it will want to start in a clean slate, breaking from the past, wanting to be seen as having its own ideas. This is likely to set things back ultimately. What I’m saying in essence is that when you belong to the same party, the ideologies will align, that is what we want for Ekiti State. No one would want his handwork rubbished or destroyed; if Fayose leaves today, it is expected that he will still want to keep eyes on things to see that the development strides he put in

  • Fayose: no apology for adopting my deputy

    Fayose: no apology for adopting my deputy

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has said he will not allow anyone to threaten or blackmail him for adopting his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola.

    The governor said he had no apology to anyone or groupdid not breach any rule or law of the party or the country.

    In a statement yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor accused some interest groups in the PDP of writing a petition to the party’s national secretariat because of Olusola’s adoption.

    The statement said: “To start with, as a party member and a citizen of Nigeria, I reserve the right to support any candidate for any elective post and vote same in an election.

    “Those who are crying over spilled milk should put their enemies in the position of a governor when they have such opportunity.

    “I have no apology for my action because I have only exercised my right and I have not breached any rule or law of the party or that of the country.

    “If the petitioners are the major stakeholders and we are the minority, time will tell. However, we reiterate that anyone who feels disappointed by the action should wait for the party’s primary because it is their right.

    “Above all, since they have written to Senator Ahmed Makarfi, they should equally copy Ali Modu Sheriff. All the complainants got to their current positions by God’s grace and my humble self who God used for them.

    “If they complain about imposition and endorsement, let them face the electorate too and adopt their standard that is different from the one we used.

    “At least, I am the man to be succeeded and I am entitled to support who I like. Let them know that I am not the type to be threatened. If anybody has anything against me, let them go to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”

  • Fayose’s anointed candidate hits ground running

    Fayose’s anointed candidate hits ground running

    Ekiti State Deputy Governor Kolapo Olusola has been making moves to get more support as the “adopted candidate” of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for next year’s governorship election. He has kicked off a subtle campaign with a prayer session and royal blessing from the monarch of his hometown. ODUNAYO OGUNMOLA reports.

    Although other aspirants are still crying foul over his adoption by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus loyal to Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, the deputy governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, has hit the ground running to promote his candidacy.

    Barely 48 hours after the controversial adoption, Olusola and his supporters stormed his hometown, Ikere-Ekiti, to commit his governorship project into the hand of the Almighty.

    Olusola, who was still basking in the euphoria of being the “chosen one” among the aspirants jostling for the PDP’s ticket, was welcomed into the town by members of the “Osoko Mass Movement,” the political platform of Fayose, amidst singing, drumming and trumpeting.

    The deputy governor who wore the lemon green “continuity” t-shirt and Fayose-for-President cap stopped around the Okekere area of the town where his supporters had gathered for the prayer session.

    There was traffic snarl for about one hour as his supporters defied the early morning drizzle to “seek the face of God” to make the Olusola governorship project a success.

    The last one month has been a historic one for the 49-year-old Olusola who got into politics by accident. He was appointed a Professor of Building Technology by the Obafemi Awolowo University  in August before being found worthy by his boss in September as the “anointed candidate” of the PDP for 2018 poll.

    Fayose, had after winning the March 22, 2014 PDP primary chose his father,  Pa Olusola Eleka, as the running mate. But, the octogenarian suggested that his son, who is much younger, be given the opportunity.

    The adoption of the deputy governor has sparked a fresh crisis in the party as other aggrieved aspirants have described the action as “illegal, unconstitutional and violation of the party constitution and Electoral Act.”

    The Ikere prayer session was attended by who-is-who in the Fayose political family, except those who were on special duties elsewhere or those who are secretly hobnobbing with other aspirants.

    The deputy governor was joined at the prayer session by his wife, Deaconess Janet Olusola, the Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Obas and Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Michael Oluwole Ademolaju; the Attah of Ayede-Ekiti, Oba Mumini Adebayo Orisagbemi; the House of Assembly member representing Ikere Constituency 1, Mr. Wale Ayeni; Ikere Local Government Chairman, Mr. Ola Alonge; Gbonyin Local Government Chairman, Mrs Sade Akinrinmola and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Chairman, Senator Bode Ola.

    Olusola, who prayed that Fayose would be elected President in 2019 promised to continue with his boss’ legacies. He said Ekiti would benefit immensely having him as the governor and Fayose as President.

    The prayer session was led by the Government House Chaplain who also doubles as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters, Pastor Seyi Olusola.

    The chaplain said the deputy governor decided to start with prayer because of his conviction that his success could only be made possible by divine support praying that the governorship project will land Olusola in the Government House as Fayose’s successor.

    Apparently referring to the acrimony generated by his adoption, Olusola said Fayose and his supporters had not done anything wrong by the action as all aspirants interested in the PDP ticket would still test their popularity at the primary.

    The deputy governor appealed to aggrieved  aspirants kicking against his endorsement to allow peace to reign, expressing confidence that he would emerge victorious at the shadow election where he would be confirmed as the flag bearer for the main election.

    Olusola said: “The truth is that when two or three people are contesting for a post, it will definitely get to only one person and others may not be happy initially. But as time goes on, everything will be settled.

  • Ekiti youths oppose adoption of Fayose’s deputy

    Ekiti youths oppose adoption of Fayose’s deputy

    •Olusola: nothing wrong with my adoption

    Some youths in Ekiti East Local Government Area of Ekiti State have said they will resist the alleged imposition of deputy governor, Prof. Kolapo Olusola, on the electorate.

    Rising from a meeting on Saturday at Omuo-Ekiti, headquarters of the local government area, the youth condemned the adoption of Olusola as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) “sole candidate”.

    They said the plan was masterminded by Governor Ayo Fayose.

    Acting under the aegis of Ekiti East Youth Forum (EEYF), the group called for the conduct of a free, fair and transparent primary in which all aspirants would participate and eligible delegates allowed to elect a candidate of their choice.

    Ekiti East is the home base of another PDP governorship aspirant and Senate Deputy Minority Whip Biodun Olujimi.

    The senator has fallen out of favours with Fayose over her governorship ambition.

    In a statement after the meeting, EEYF President Joel Rotimi and its Secretary, Oluwatimilehin Stephen, said the decision by a section of the PDP to adopt Olusola among several other aspirants was against the principle of fairness and justice.

    The statement urged the national leadership of the PDP to intervene in the matter.

    It said the crisis thrown up by the “surreptitious adoption” was capable of damaging the chances of the party in the 2018 governorship poll.

    The statement reads: “The purported adoption of Olusola, even before the party releases its guidelines and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifts the ban on political campaign, was a pure charade and illegal. It will not stand.

    “The action was masterminded by Governor Fayose to cover up his illegalities. It is a ploy to continue to rule Ekiti because he knows that the deputy governor is weak.

    “It was unfortunate that Governor Fayose, who singlehandedly fought against consensus, is now imposing a candidate.

    “We commend leaders, like Senator (Biodun) Olujimi, representing Ekiti South Senatorial District at the National Assembly, for opposing the move and we urge her to take steps to stop the illegal action.”

    The adopted sole candidate, Prof. Olusola, has said he was not afraid of going into a primary election with other aspirants, expressing confidence of winning the party’s ticket at a shadow poll.

  • God, Fayose and successor

    God, Fayose and successor

    GOVERNOR Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State is a difficult man to predict and place. He has a fondness for talking out of both sides of his mouth. Speaking at his Afao-Ekiti home during a meeting with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants from Ikole, Ijero and Ise/Orun local government areas, he pushed the responsibility of identifying and anointing his successor to God. He also asked for his party’s understanding. It is instructive that as a PDP member and governor, he speaks of his successor rather than his party’s candidate in next year’s state governorship election. Mr. Fayose, in short, speaks of God in the choice of his successor when as governor he ought more sensibly to be speaking of his party’s candidate.

    At the September 5 meeting at his country home, Mr. Fayose gave a lengthy, theological explanation cum justification of God’s involvement in the choice of his successor. Said he: “Followers need not create a wedge between me and governorship aspirants. As much as aspirants have the right to aspire, I also reserve the right to support whomever God asks me to support. If I were asked to pick a candidate to succeed me, I would have picked Kayode Oso. But I have called him and asked him to allow me seek God’s consent concerning it. I have called my deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola; I have also called Bisi Omoyeni and asked him to allow me seek God’s consent. Whoever God chooses, we will support among the aspirants. Whoever that is not the one, the spirit of sportsmanship should be embraced. I have nothing against Prince Adedayo Adeyeye. I have respect for him: from ministerial appointment to chairmanship (of the governing council) at Ekiti State University, and his recommendation to the party at the national level. I have always stood by him. I wouldn’t have done that for someone I don’t love. So, mischief makers had better look elsewhere to play their game.”

    The governor then announced at the Tuesday meeting that he had invited his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola; former Commissioner for Works, Mr. Kayode Oso; and former Wema Bank Group Managing Director, Mr. Adebisi Omoyeni to seek their understanding in his decision to invite God into the choice of his successor. He apparently hoped that by involving God, the very Christian gentlemen of his state would quickly defer to his wisdom and choice. It was, however, not enough for many of the distraught aspirants in the PDP. Indeed, it seemed to them that Mr. Fayose’s manoeuvres were nothing more than a deliberate and sickening subterfuge to impose his preference on the party, and invariably on the state.

    While he was holding the meeting in Afao-Ekiti, the state PDP was also manoeuvring to pick a consensus candidate for the party in next year’s governorship election. That manoeuvre was executed one day after at a meeting in Ado-Ekiti attended, according to Punch newspaper report, “by serving and former members of the PDP State Working Committee, members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, chieftains of the party at the 16 local governments and 177 wards, as well as chairmen and members of Boards and Parastatals, among others…” At the Wednesday meeting, the officials enthusiastically endorsed the deputy governor, Prof. Olusola, who lectured in building technology at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. It was clear to even the most obtuse that the choice of the eminent professor was inspired, if not entirely stage-managed, by the governor who had sworn not to impose anybody on either the party or the state.

    Meanwhile, shortly after he was elected in June, 2014, an exuberant Governor-elect Fayose had visited the departing Governor Kayode Fayemi and promised that in obedience to the constitution, he would not seek another term after 2018 — as if he had a choice — nor allow his deputy, the professor, succeed him. More than three years after, however, Mr. Fayose has reneged on his word, and now disingenuously seeks to enthrone the same deputy while still swearing that his intentions are honourable and noble.

    But it remains to be seen whether the Ekiti are not wearied by his endless tomfoolery, his unabated cantankerousness, his pugnacious politics that draws no line whatsoever between friend and foe. Moreover, the Ekiti are, apart from their education, sometimes regarded in great measure as Christian. In the coming election, it remains to be seen whether their Christian principles would lead them to see through the chicanery of Mr. Fayose, a man so unprincipled as to be unwilling to believe in anything, and so foul-mouthed as to be incapable of saying anything but injurious words. There is no doubt that he intends Prof. Olusola to succeed him, having heard from God only a day after he publicly announced he would wait to hear from the Almighty. The question is: what are the intentions of Ekiti, and do they have the courage and pride to defend them?

  • God to choose my successor, says Fayose

    God to choose my successor, says Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has said he is discussing with Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) potential aspirants “to allow me seek God’s consent” on the choice of a successor.

    He said since aspirants have the right to aspire for the No. 1 seat, he (Fayose) also has the right to support whoever God asks him to support for the 2018 governorship race.

    Fayose said he invited aspirants like his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola; former Commissioner for Works, Mr. Kayode Oso; and former Wema Bank Group Managing Director, Mr. Adebisi Omoyeni to allow him seek the face of God on his successor.

    The governor spoke yesterday at his Afao-Ekiti home at a meeting with PDP aspirants and leaders from Ikole, Ijero and Ise/Orun councils.

    His alleged opposition to the governorship ambition of Deputy Senate Minority Whip Biodun Olujimi; former Deputy Governor Abiodun Aluko and the party’s national spokesman, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, has been causing tension in the party.

    Fayose said: “Followers need not create a wedge between me and governorship aspirants. As much as aspirants have the right to aspire, I also reserve the right to support whoever God asks me to support.

    “If I were asked to pick a candidate to succeed me, I would have picked Kayode Oso. But I have called him and asked him to allow me seek God’s consent concerning it.

    “I have called my deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola; I have also called Bisi Omoyeni and asked him to allow me seek God’s consent. Whoever God chooses, we will support among the aspirants. Whoever that is not the one, the spirit of sportsmanship should be embraced.

    “I have nothing against Prince Adedayo Adeyeye. I have respect for him: from ministerial appointment to chairmanship (of the governing council) at Ekiti State University, and his recommendation to the party at the national level.

    “I have always stood by him. I wouldn’t have done that for someone I don’t love. So, mischief makers had better look elsewhere to play their game.”

    The governor advised party members to downplay personal agenda and ensure the party’s interest is placed on the front burner.

    He said: “Never will any candidate be imposed on the people. We won’t allow anybody to destroy the goodwill enjoyed by the PDP because there is no doubt about our party’s popularity in Ekiti today.

    “I want to assure you nobody will impose anybody on you. With me here, you will all get justice. Those we imposed in the past disappointed us. The system should be allowed to run its course.”

    At the meeting with party members from Ijero Ekiti, Fayose directed that about 23 members, hitherto suspended from the party, be forgiven and reabsorbed.

  • God will choose my successor – Fayose

    God will choose my successor – Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, said on Monday he has been having private discussion with potential governorship aspirants in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), telling them “to allow him seek God’s consent” on the choice of a successor.

    He said although aspirants have the right to aspire for the state’s number one seat, he (Fayose) also has the right to support whoever God asks him to support for the 2018 governorship race.

    Fayose said he had invited aspirants like his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola; former Commissioner for Works, Mr. Kayode Oso and former Wema Bank Group Managing Director, Mr. Adebisi Omoyeni “into the room” to allow him seek the face of God on his successor.

    The governor spoke on Tuesday at his Afao-Ekiti country home during a meeting with PDP aspirants and leaders from Ikole, Ijero and Ise/Orun local government areas of the state.

    His alleged opposition to the governorship ambition of Deputy Senate Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi; former Deputy Governor, Chief Abiodun Aluko, party’s national spokesman, Prince Dayo Adeyeye and others has been causing tension in the party.

    Fayose said: “Followers need not create a wedge between me and gubernatorial aspirants. As much as aspirants have the right to aspire, I also reserve the right to support whoever God asks him to support.

    “If I were asked to pick a candidate to succeed me, I would have picked Kayode Oso straight off. But I have called him into the room and told him to allow me seek God’s consent concerning it.

    “I have called my deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola. I have also called Bisi Omoyeni into the room and asked him to allow me seek God’s consent. Whoever God chooses, we will support among the aspirants. Whoever that is not the one, the spirit of sportsmanship should be embraced.

    “I have nothing against Prince Adedayo Adeyeye. I have great respect for him, from ministerial appointment to chairmanship (of the Governing Council) at Ekiti State University and then his recommendation to the party at the national level.

    “I have always stood by him. I wouldn’t have done that for someone I don’t love, so mischief makers had better looked elsewhere to play their game.”

    Fayose also appealed to party members to downplay personal agenda and ensure the party’s interest is put on the front burner, adding that “never will any candidate be imposed on the people.

  • Fayose storms prayer ground in Muslim regalia

    Fayose storms prayer ground in Muslim regalia

    •Observes Eid prayers with Muslims •Allow one of us to succeed you, worshippers tell Governor

    There was drama at the Eid prayer g-round at Olokemeji area of Odo Ado, Ado-Ekiti yesterday as Governor Ayo Fayose stormed the venue in a Muslim regalia with a turban to match.

    The governor observed the Eid-el-Kabir prayer with thousands of Muslim faithful and witnessed the slaughtering of the ram by the Grand Imam of Ekiti State, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello, who also doubles as the President of the League of Imams and Alfas in the South West, Edo and Delta states.

    The spiritual exercise soon turned political as the Muslims, who were impressed with Fayose’s gesture, urged him to consider supporting a Muslim to succeed him as governor when his tenure expires on October 15, 2018.

    The Imam, who praised Fayose, a Christian, for dressing like a Muslim, said the governor was fulfilling the injunction of Allah by not discriminating against those who belong to other religions.

    Bello said: “This dressing shows that the governor is not discriminating against any religion. Your Excellency, your dressing is even in line with biblical injunctions.

    “If you check the book of Zechariah 3:3, the Bible says “we removed unclean clothes from Joshua, we washed him clean and he was dressed with a clean turban on his head and God’s angel stood by him.

    “Our governor, as you wore the turban on your head, the angel of God is already with you, and that is why you are succeeding in all that you do, against all odds.”

    Demanding a Muslim successor from Fayose, Bello said: “Ekiti is 20 years now, and since its creation, we don’t have a Muslim governor yet. We urge you sir, if any Muslim is interested in the governorship from your party, kindly support him to fulfil his ambition.”

    Fayose said he decided to dress like a sheikh on Sallah day because he belongs to everybody in the state irrespective of their religions, adding that Muslims voted for him en masse at the last governorship poll.

    Fayose storms prayer ground in Muslim regalia
    Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose at the Ado Eid Praying Ground on Friday

    He said: “I represent everybody irrespective of religious differences. I got elected by everyone’s vote. Choice of religion is free.

    “As a leader, appearing in a Muslim regalia with a turban is to say that I must be part of everything the Muslims do and make them realise that we all are one family.

    “I will also ensure that all their demands today are met.”

    Promising to fulfil the desires of the Muslims in his best possible way, Fayose urged the Islamic clerics to always tell the leaders the truth and preach values of justice and equity.

    Fayose, who said that religious leaders wield more influence on the people than government officials or political leaders, urged them to use such influence to reorientate the people towards maintain love, peace, justice and equity for all.

    He added: “Muslims are very peculiar people and Islam is not known for violence.

    “We have same blood flowing in our veins and are first of all human beings before we chose our religion. So, God in us is more important than the religion. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.

    “I therefore enjoin them to continue to live in peace for the collective growth of our land, our nation. We will continue to work together so that this country remains one, indivisible but founded on justice and equity.”

  • ‘Fayose got Range Rover, power bikes on credit’

    ‘Fayose got Range Rover, power bikes on credit’

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose got a Range Rover Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) valued at N41.4 million and two power bikes valued at N13.8 million on credit, a witness told the Judicial Commission of Enquiry investigating state finances between 2010 and 2014.

    A Brand Manager at Coscharis Motors Limited, Mr. Justin Ngele, who testified before the panel at yesterday’s sitting, said Fayose got the Autobiography model of the Range Rover on September 9, 2015.

    Ngele recalled that while the governor paid for the Range Rover, he was yet to pay for the two power bikes, which he said were delivered on July 13, 2015.

    The brand manager, who was led in evidence by lawyer to Coscharis, Mr. Peter Jiya, said the two power bikes, which were used by the governor’s outriders, were supplied at N6.8 million each.

    The witness said his firm supplied 156 units of various brands of Coscharis vehicles valued at N1,284,159,000, based on an oral agreement with the Kayode Fayemi administration.

    Ngele, who was led in evidence by lawyer to Coscharis Motor, Peter Jiya, said the company sealed the deal based on the trust it had for the state government.

    The brand manager said there was a letter of award by the state government on the purchase of additional 59 units of vehicles, which the company later supplied.

    He added that of the 235 vehicles supplied between 2013 to 2014, N1.449 billion had been paid, leaving a balance of N459 million being owed the company.

    But in his statement on oath, a witness from the Ministry of Local Government, Mr Samuel Akinjide, said the ministry received an invoice of N1,284,159,000 from the state government for 156 Ford Range of vehicles.

    Akinjide said the ministry was mandated to finance the purchase of the 154 Ford Range vehicles, which were for traditional rulers.

    The witness said even before the state government gave the directive, the then Commissioner for Finance, Mr Vincent Kolawole, had received the 156 vehicles.

    He added: “Coscharis Motors, on May 2, 2014, requested for payment in respect of 235 vehicles, instead of the 156 units the ministry was directed to purchase.”

    Akinjide said the local governments were to settle the debt on equal basis even though they did not solicit for it.

    He said: “The General Administration Department (GAD) and the Ministry of Finance have been contacted but they all claimed ignorance of the purchase.”

    The panel adjourned sitting till September 8 to enable Coscharis Motors present the original documents as evidence to be tendered because it rejected the photocopies supplied by the company’s lawyer.

  • Fayose swears in Ekiti Obas’ Council chair

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has sworn in the Oloye of Oye-Ekiti, Oba Michael Oluwole Ademolaju, Adugbole III, as the chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers.

    At the swearing-in yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, Fayose urged monarchs to maintain peace and security in their domains as the state approaches the election year.

    The governor urged the monarchs to join his administration’s efforts to ensure what he called “continuity of good governance by his government”.

    He said: “I enjoin you and your subjects to be security-conscious. You are to maintain peace in your domains as development can only take place in a peaceful environment.

    “You will agree with me that the 2018 election is around the corner, hence all hands must be on the deck to ensure that the process of selecting a new government is not stalled unnecessarily.

    “There is the need for Ekiti people to be on the same page with this administration in ensuring the continuity of the good work it started for the sustenance of development in the state.”

    In his acceptance speech, Oba Ademolaju thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve as chairman of the council, noting that it is “a challenge for the promotion of unity among royal fathers and the people both at home and in the Diaspora.”

    The Oloye noted that the Council of Obas, “according to Ekiti State Council of Obas Law of 2000 is to, among other things, advise the government on matters relating to customary law or cultural affairs, inter-communal relations, and maintenance of public order within the state.”

    He explained there were four standing committees in the council, namely Chieftaincy, Local Government, Education and Utility but noted that none of the committees was “addressing agriculture, which Ekiti people need to explore at this time.”

    The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ayodele Alabi, said the state had selected 25 rotational members to join the 32 permanent members to run the affairs of the State Traditional Council for the next two years.