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Tag: Fayose

  • APC warns Fayose to stop attacking judiciary, judges

    APC warns Fayose to stop attacking judiciary, judges

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has warned Governor Ayo Fayose to stop what it called “sustained and relentless attacks on judges and the judiciary” because he had benefited from them in the past.

    Following the ruling in the Akwa Ibom and Rivers governorship election petitions, Fayose was reported to have alleged that the tribunal judges “succumbed to federal might in nullifying the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) victories in favour of the APC.’’

    In a statement yesterday by its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, the APC denounced Fayose for accusing somebody else of using federal might for electoral gains.

    “We never knew that Fayose would be the one accusing anyone of using federal might for electoral advantage.

    “Did Fayose take his conscience into consideration when Army officers and men were used by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to intimidate opponents in the June 21, 2014, governorship election?

  • Ekiti APC condemns Fayose’s attack on judges

    Ekiti APC condemns Fayose’s attack on judges

    The Ekiti State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned Governor Ayo Fayose for accusing the Nigerian judiciary of corruption without having any concrete evidence to substantiate his claim.

    The party also expressed its support for the decision of the Nigerian Army to probe the involvement of its officers and men in the alleged rigging and intimidation that characterized the June 21, 2014 governorship poll in the state.

    The APC Publicity Secretary in the state, Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement on Thursday described Fayose’s accusation of Nigerian judges as “a paradoxical assault by a man who holds the judiciary in contempt even though he is also the greatest beneficiary of the same purportedly corrupt judiciary in his political career.”

    The governor had at a church service to mark the commencement of the New Legal Year on Tuesday accused Nigerian judges of corruption, saying some of them were begging to get appointment as election tribunals’ chairmen in order to extort money from politicians.

    He said: “It is regrettable that Fayose is always having his jokes on the judiciary that decent Nigerian leaders built to serve as a sacred sanctuary of justice, but which Fayose has turned to a lap dog that he can whip at his pleasure.

    “He invaded the court with his thugs to beat a judge black and blue, tore his coat and invaded the Chief Judge’s office, broke the door and tore court records there while the Chief Judge’s secretary was mercilessly beaten.

    “He created various obstacles to slow down his prosecution in the N1.3b poultry project fraud and orchestrated closure of the courts for a long time to prevent hearing on his perjury case to pervert the course of justice.

    “But we wish to remind Fayose that these various assaults on the judiciary are worse than corruption.”

     

  • SOS to Fayose

    Your Excellency, I would have loved it if this letter is delivered to you in person but I am aware that the hurly-burly of bureaucracy won’t permit that. Hence, the need to use this platform to convey my message to you concerning power outage faced by students of Ekiti State University. I will be happy if you read it personally sir so that you will know where we need help and then take steps to put the right measures to stop these needless blackouts being witnessed by students.

    It has been eight months since the students enjoyed light in their various hostels, owing to the nonchalant attitude of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) officials and Iworoko community leaders. Students have been subjected to mental and bodily torture as a result of this blackout, impacting negatively on their studies. For the records, many students hardly go to night classes again, no thanks to this problem.

    Our nightmares as students have been immensely compounded by virtue of this blackout. Our students have become handy specimen in the hands of dare-devil robbers in their respective hostels. The criminals now see the darkness as a tool to unleash terror and pain on innocent students going about their normal business. These students certainly didn’t bargain for this. Stealing, harassment and rape have become recurring decimals, endangering the lives of the students.

    Not to be forgotten is the fate of commercial traders, some of whom are students eking out a living from proceeds realized from these ventures. Their businesses have been grounded by the crumbling night life around the campus. This is certainly not the best way to treat students on whose shoulders our future lies. The situation is getting out of hand. Something needs to be done quickly before the unexpected happens. Your Excellency, I think it is high time you used your power as governor to influence the officials of the BEDC to restore power to our various hostels as it was in the past. Students are tired of paying what I termed “ransom fee” to their overbearing hostel owners who now extort cash from students in the name of restoration of light.

    On the other hand, members of the students’ union government are not left out of this precarious situation in which we find ourselves. Their activities in recent time show their zeal and commitment to the restoration of light back to our hostels but the powers-that-be had been frustrating their efforts. There are also claims from the students’ union that letters have been sent to you on this issue but you are yet to reply. I deem it imperative to believe that you did not receive any of the letters due to the messenger of the said letter but I hope after reading this, you will make a case for us and consider our plight. The union president said several meetings had been held with officials of BEDC but it seems they are not ready to act in compliance with our agitations.

    Along the line, we have been compelled to assume their hands are tied or they are plainly irresponsive. But whatever the case, only time will tell. With their behavior towards us, I am very sure the union will eventually resort to confrontation to press home their demands. But I am also sure your Excellency won’t want a situation that will undermine the peace of the state. I would also like to bring to your notice that the leaders of her neighbouring community are not helping this situation based on their actions. It seems to us they are happy with the way things are. Several amounts of money had been contributed by the students to resolve this imbroglio. But these people seem not to budge, much less step into the situation to restore order.

    The situation is far complex than I can possibly reveal in this letter. I remember vividly how my campus fellowship engineered a contribution scheme to the tune of N3, 000 per student.  Going by your promises during inauguration, one will attest to the fact that you really mean well for the students but situations of recent time had made us to question this belief. But we still maintain total faith in your plan for Ekiti students.

    I believe that some unscrupulous persons are behind this issue of power outage and we would appreciate it if you set up a committee to wade into the crisis. Perhaps, installation of a new transformer for the community could be a great way to end the students’ woes. The importance of electricity cannot be over emphasised, especially in view of the realities of our age. To cramp students in a community of no power is clearly anti-development and its consequences are far more than we can imagine. The entire life of the 21st century students hangs on the reality of power. Life without electricity is clearly a hell.

    In any case, the stratagem of the neighbouring community and that of the BEDC is well known to all. And that explains why we have lost total confidence in the leadership of the state BEDC for failing to provide basic service in the form of power for students of EKSU. That for us underscores a violation of the rights of these students.

    It is a total shame on the part of BEDC officials for their various falsehood and excuses used as cover-up for their lack of competence and responsiveness to the needs of customers. It may be bad for students to take to the streets in protest against the inhuman treatment but it will be wrong for them to take our simplicity for granted.

    Sir we want swift actions and I am sure you will swing into action as soon as you receive this letter. One thing I can assure you is the fact that the generality of EKSU students are watching how you will react to this situation. I know you will not allow your administration to be plunged into mindless crisis on account of this systemic failure of BEDC.

     

    • Gbenga, 300-Level Economics, EKSU
  • APC slams Fayose over ‘outrageous’ taxes

    APC slams Fayose over ‘outrageous’ taxes

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has slammed Governor Ayo Fayose for Tuesday’s closure of two banks and over 100 business offices and shops on Secretariat Road in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    The party said imposition of “outrageous” taxes by the Fayose administration is killing businesses and rendering many jobless.

    It said: “The action would compound the state’s economic woes.”

    APC Publicity Secretary Taiwo Olatunbosun, in a statement yesterday, described the latest regime of taxes, which sparked a public protest by scores of Igbo traders, as “too harsh, outrageous and exploitative”.

    He said Fayose’s action was a wrong signal to investors and a disincentive to local business operators, who struggle to cope with cut-throat taxes.

    Olatunbosun, who described Fayose administration’s policies as inhumane, explained that the nation’s prevailing economic situation does not support high taxes.

    He said: “Locking out traders, shop and business owners without allowing them  remove their valuables is most degrading, wicked, ungodly and inhumane.

    “The taskforce officials working with some thugs did not allow the business owners take their keys, cash, cheque books, passbooks and other documents, which resulted in Igbo traders, who drive the state’s economy, to protest.

    “Zenith and Diamond banks were illegally and forcefully locked, thereby causing panic.”

    Regretting that the operation was hijacked by suspected hoodlums working for the governor, he said many of the traders were harassed and assaulted.

    “Increasing taxes on individuals and businesses by almost 500 per cent in breach of the agreement with the local business operators in a place such as Ekiti would kill the already weak economy.

  • Corruption has eaten deep into judiciary, says Fayose

    Corruption has eaten deep into judiciary, says Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose yesterday came hard on the Judiciary, alleging that it is riddled with corruption.

    Its judgments, he claimed, are for sale to the highest bidder.

    He said the institution must be purged for the battle against corruption to be won.

    Fayose spoke at a special service at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti, to mark the beginning of a New Legal Year.

    The governor alleged that judges now lobby to be appointed to serve in election tribunals to make money and influence judgment in favour of their political friends.

    Fayose said: “The judiciary has the power of life and death but this sensitive arm of government has been compromised and most judgments in Nigeria today are monetised.

    “If the battle against corruption can be won between the Bar and the Bench, it will be won in the society.

    “Due to the cancer of financial inducement that has eaten deep into our judicial system, it is only in Nigeria that a political armed robber will orchestrate the trial of somebody before a corrupt judge, all in the name of waging anti- corruption war.

    “When there are glaring facts on the table of anti-corruption agencies, they will pretend not to see or look the other way, especially if the culprit is a member of their  party or under the directive of the power that be.

    “That is why some judges are timid in giving judgments against the ruling party. Such individuals are judged on the pages of newspaper and consequently confirmed by the willing judges.

    “It gets more worrisome when facts have revealed that most of these judgements were written by lawyers for some compromised judges.

    “Some judges  also have cases assigned to them to do a shoddy job, thereby descending into unwholesomeness.

    “Other instances are when judges have to recommend lawyers to clients.

    “A lot of human rights activist lawyers have been working with some judges to destroy the lives of innocent Nigerians for pecuniary benefits and cheap popularity.

    “I, therefore, want our judges to understand that after here, there  is  another judgement. As for me, I have never and will never  influence judgement for whatever reason. In Ekiti, for instance, I don’t have the telephone numbers of judges.

    “If Nigeria is to move forward and for us to have a just society, the judiciary has a major role to play and must be seen doing so.

    “This address does not imply that the judiciary is totally devoid of some credible and incorruptible judges, whose conducts are commendable.

    “I won’t end this address without referring you to Hebrews 9:27 where is it said that it is appointed for men to die once and after this judgment.

    “We should remember that all human actions will be rewarded by God Almighty.”

    The Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rev Christopher Omotunde, urged members of the judiciary to allow the fear of God to guide them.

    corrupt

  • Cnpp urges Fayose to disburse bailout cash to workers, ex- office holders

    Cnpp urges Fayose to disburse bailout cash to workers, ex- office holders

    THE Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in Ekiti State has urged Governor Ayo Fayose to pay allowances and entitlements of all civil servants and former political office holders captured in the bailout cash released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    In a statement by its Publicity, the Ekiti CNPP praised Fayose for stopping the airport project, advising him to channel the funds toagriculture.

    The CNPP claimed that investment in agriculture will generate thousands of jobs for the youths and ensure food security for the people.

    It urged Fayose to emulate his Benue State counterpart Samuel Ortom, who had just launched Agriculture Revolution.

    The umbrella body for registered political parties said it was shocked that many core civil servants, teachers in public schools and workers in government-owned tertiary institutions are still complaining that they are yet to be paid their entitlements from the bailout cash.

    The group recalled that Fayose promised last week during his media chat, Meet Your Governor, that all categories of workers and former political office holders owed salaries and entitlements will be paid immediately.

    “Our investigation revealed that up till now, many of the civil servants, local government workers, teachers in government-owned schools, staff of tertiary institutions and former political office holders have not been paid.

    “We want Governor Fayose to realize that his words are his bonds. We advise the governor not to do anything that will generate unnecessary controversy and anxiety.

    “We need peace in Ekiti and the Federal Government has done its best by releasing the bailout fund and the cash must be used for the purpose intended and all those due for payment should be paid without further delay”, the CNPP said.

    The CNPP also congratulated Fayose on his first anniversary in office urging him to use the second stint in power to serve Ekiti people selflessly.

    The body, however, advised the governor not to embark on new projects again but to ensure the completion of ongoing ones.

  • Fayose urges lawyers to fight for ‘better’ Nigeria

    Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has said that all is not well with Nigeria despite the advent of democracy in the country.

    He urged lawyers in the country to always speak out on national issues and use their profession to correct perceived ills in the polity

    Fayose made the call at the weekend during the gala and award night of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ado Ekiti Branch, to round off this year’s edition of the Annual Law Week.

    According to a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, Fayose also admonished lawyers not to allow political considerations and affiliations becloud their sense of objectivity.

    At the Award Night, Fayose bagged an Achiever’s Award from the NBA.

    “It will be mere delusion if we think or feel that all is well with our dear country now. As lawyers and members of the NBA, I want you to speak out about happenings in Nigeria beyond your political leanings and inclinations.

    “Nigeria is above political consideration. The country must be governed by all of us and if anything goes wrong, we all suffer for it. Your contributions can make the difference,” he said.

    Fayose also charged them to be good ambassadors of the state, saying they must represent the state with their shoulders high anywhere.

    On his first year in office, Fayose said the challenges were enormous, but with the people’s support, some achievements had been recorded despite poor financial situation in the country.

    The governor noted that he made himself accessible to the people because a good leader identifies with his people.

  • Ekiti APC accuses Fayose of mismanagement

    Ekiti APC accuses Fayose of mismanagement

    The Ekiti State All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Ayo Fayose of mismanaging the bailout funds received from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    The opposition insisted that Fayose should explain how the bailout funds had been spent.

    But the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the APC of running what it called a “wasteful government”.

    The PDP said the “Fayose’s numerous achievements had brought the opposition to its knees”.

    The APC, in a statement yesterday by its spokesman, Taiwo Olatunbosun, accused Fayose of refusing to pay last year’s September salary and leave bonus.

    He said: “He has also refused to pay September, half October salary, severance and furniture allowances to former political office holders, who were captured in the bailout fund protocol.

    “The salaries paid into  primary school teachers’ accounts were reversed 30 minutes after they received bank alerts.”

    Olatunbosun warned the governor against the alleged plan to divert the bailout cash, saying Ekiti workers would not take any excuse for any further delay in the payment of their entitlements.

    “We have it on good authority that the governor is planning to divert the bailout and we warn that the era of impunity and bare-face fraud is over.

    “We call on anti-graft agencies to help appeal to the governor to pay workers, pensioners and former political appointees their entitlements and these agencies should monitor the disbursement of the bailout cash to ensure it is spent as approved by the Federal Government,” Olatunbosun said.

    PDP spokesman Jackson Adebayo in a statement berated the APC leadership for its seemingly antagonism.

    “One would have expected a congratulatory message from a genuine and quintessential opposition on visible achievements of the PDP government in Ekiti State and an offer of challenge on other things that are yet to be done.”

  • Fayose’s airport of the apocalypse

    Fayose’s airport of the apocalypse

    The idea of an airport has been a long-standing fascination for some Ekiti people. Hemmed in by unprofitable airports in Akure and Ibadan, former Ekiti governors had been undecided on whether an investment in that field would not be a white elephant. Given the lean resources of the state, its low IGR and 35th position in terms of federal revenue allocation, its small population, and lack of industries, the state’s leaders finally decided that it simply didn’t make sense to build an airport, notwithstanding the allure of the idea.

    Suddenly, in a few months, and without appropriation, Governor Ayo Fayose has brusquely decided to build an airport he calculates will cost some N17bn. According to him, the airport should be ready in a year. The state’s groveling House of Assembly has been unable to offer the restraint and alternative views the state needs to take the best options, and stupefied state elders have lent the governor full support for entirely private reasons. The state may owe some N36bn, or N76bn as Mr Fayose put it, and there may be no feasibility and environmental impact assessment reports, nor any discussions or negotiations with landowners, not to talk of compensation, but who cares.

    Soon after Mr Fayose had his brain wave, he simply committed bulldozers into the project and they began to clear the project land. As evidence of the embarrassing shoddiness of the project, aggrieved landowners, some of them cocoa and palm plantation farmers, have protested bitterly that they were neither consulted nor compensated. Mr Fayose has now suspended the project pending when he will secure an agreement with the farmers.

    No doubt, something crazy is going on in Ekiti. As the state awaits Mr Fayose’s financial magic, as they endure the rule of an unprepared scatterbrain, and as they wait for apocalypse — for that nightmare will come — they must also begin to agonise how on earth they found themselves in this dangerous bind.

     

  • Fayose didn’t arrest our staff-FRSC

    Fayose didn’t arrest our staff-FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has disowned a traffic offender, Mr. Adeola Alabi, arrested by Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose last Thursday.

    Ekiti Sector Commander, Stanley Chinedum, said Alabi was neither a staff, volunteer nor special marshal of the agency.

    He said:  “The offender could be an impersonator or a dismissed special marshal who is still using old sticker of special marshals.

    “FRSC is noted for discipline and exemplary behaviour with adequate machinery to check excesses and abuses.”

    The Head of Media Relations and Strategy FRSC, Bisi Kazeem, said the Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, “was full of praises for the governor for arresting a traffic offender and appealed to other senior government officials to emulate this rare deed as road safety is everybody’s business.”