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Tag: Fayose

  • Fayose, Obi hail Assembly leaders

    Fayose, Obi hail Assembly leaders

    The Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has hailed the leaders of the National Assembly.

    Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Governor Fayose said: “In particular, the emergence of Hon Yakubu Dogara as the House of Representatives Speaker is a lesson of life that what goes round will definitely come round.

    “Today, Nigerians demonstrated to the entire world that our country has come of age democratically.

    “Also, President Mohammadu Buhari, by not interfering in the process through which the National Assembly leadership emerged today, further demonstrated that as he said in his inaugural speech, he is indeed for everybody, and he is for nobody.

    “I congratulate Senator Bukola Saraki, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, Hon. Yakubu Dogara and Hon Yusuf Sulaimon Lasun for this well-deserved victory and I urge them to see their election as a call to the service of their fatherland.”

    Obi reminded them that their positions were meant for service and urged them to see it as such.

  • EX-PDP lawmaker chides Fayose over threat to Assembly members

    EX-PDP lawmaker chides Fayose over threat to Assembly members

    Former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker in Ekiti State House of Assembly, Omoniyi Ajaja, has slammed Governor Ayodele Fayose over threat to new PDP members in the Assembly to either be loyal to him or face “political death.”

    He said the governor’s boast that PDP legislators who participated in his 2006 impeachment were dead politically was empty, explaining that many among those who supported the impeachment later held prominent political positions while others were doing very well in their various private callings.

    Fayose had warned the new lawmakers at their inauguration last Friday, boasting: “Impeach me, risk political death, those that impeached me in 2006 had died politically today.”

    But Ajaja in a chat with reporters on Tuesday faulted the governor’s claim, saying he was a former member of the Second Assembly, a Chief Whip, yet he remained one of the pillars of Ekiti State politics today.

    “I am still very active and alive to political issues not only in Ekiti but also in Nigeria as a whole. Likewise majority of the Assembly men that served at that time are equally still relevant in the politics of the state,” he explained.

    He said the governor should be reminded that the House of Assembly remains an arm of government which enjoys its independence like the Judiciary and the Executive, explaining that it is the constitutional duty of the Legislature to keep the Executive on its toes to check its excesses.

    “If any governor is found wanting in the discharge of his constitutional duties, it is the duty of the Legislature to checkmate him.

    “The governor’s statement last week during the inauguration of the sixth Assembly that those that impeached him in 2006 had died politically is uncalled for, especially coming from an elected governor. He should be reminded that each of the Assembly men represents his/her constituency and that they are equally elected like the governor,” he said.

    He added: “Since 2006, some of the lawmakers that participated in the impeachment had held various positions in other administrations which came after Fayose. Politics should be seen to be dynamic and not a business of an individual as being displayed by Mr. Fayose.

    “Only members of the Fifth Assembly in Ekiti State who the governor claims are his stooges and that the assembly is an extension of the Governor’s office may find it extremely difficult to call him to order anytime he commits constitutional breaches.”

     

  • ‘Let Fayose be’

    ‘Let Fayose be’

    Elected House of Representatives members from Ekiti State have warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stop fighting Governor Ayo Fayose and the people.

    A statement by Ayo Oladimeji, Segun Adekola, Akin Awodumila, Olamide Oni, Thaddeus Aina and Kehinde Agboola, said APC and its leaders in Ekiti State were admonished to let peace reign in the state.

    “Having fought for 12 months trying to get what they lost at the polls through the backdoor, the most sensible thing for the APC leaders to do now is to allow Governor Fayose to run his government.

    “Telling lies and engaging in childish criticism is no doubt a sign that the APC won’t relent in its evil opposition against the people of Ekiti State, and our advice is that they should stop fighting Fayose, because he is God’s anointed.”

  • Fayose: it’s time for governance

    Fayose: it’s time for governance

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has said he will now concentrate on giving good governance to the people.

    Fayose said he would not persecute the former All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers for their attempts to impeach him but would leave them to God.

    He spoke yesterday at a thanksgiving service to mark his victory and the inauguration of the Fifth House of Assembly at the Deeper Life Bible Church Campground, Ajebamidele, Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

    The service was attended by newly-elected members of the National Assembly and House of Assembly, traditional rulers, political office holders, senior civil servants and politicians.

    Fayose said the victory achieved is dedicated to the people, who gave him unflinching support during the uncertainty that rocked the state.

    He said: “This victory is dedicated to God and the good people of Ekiti State who stood by me during the trying period.

    “I am not here to tell you that the battle is over. I have won the battle and all the traps sets for me.

    “At a point the battle seems too much for me and I was confused but the inspirations of God keeps telling me that this battle will not consume me, there was no longer saliva in my mouth again.

    “The impeachment crisis looks like The nation of Israel, a nation amidst enemies.  The nation of Israel has not lost any battle but the nation of Israel is Ayo Fayose.  And he has not lost any battle.”

    The wife of the governor, Feyisetan, said she had a premonition of the political crises that rocked the state.

    Mrs Fayose, who was giving a testimony, recalled that God revealed to her in a dream that the state would pass through  a turbulent period in  March and April but with an assurance that He would not abandon them.

    She said “In the dream, God told me that March and April will be stubborn. He said we should get prepared for it. But God promised to see us through and he did.”

    Fayose thanked all those who supported him. The service also included prayers for the out-gone lawmakers and the new lawmakers, traditional rulers, the government, governor, deputy governor and the people.

  • Buhari has no hand in impeachment crisis – Fayose

    Buhari has no hand in impeachment crisis – Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has absolved President Muhammadu Buhari of complicity in the long-drawn impeachment crisis in the state.

    Fayose claimed that security report available to him revealed that Buhari was never part of the plot to impeach him from office.

    The governor made the revelation on Friday during the inauguration of the Fifth House of Assembly with a warning to the new lawmakers to avoid what he called “mindless power struggle” with the Executive.

    Apparently referring to the crisis of confidence between him and the immediate past Assembly which was dominated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers, Fayose described the last power struggle as “crude and barbaric.”

    All the 26 members of the Ekiti Assembly were elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the April 11 House of Assembly elections.

    The lawmaker representing Moba 1, Kola Oluwawole, emerged the new Speaker, while his counterpart from Ekiti West 1, Segun Adewumi, was elected Deputy Speaker.

    Other principal officers are – Tunji Akinyele (Oye 2), House Leader and Sunday Akinniyi (Ikere 2) as Chief Whip.

    Fayose explained that he was at a loss why the APC legislators in the immediate past Assembly insisted on impeaching him when Buhari who is their leader had declared that he has no enemy to fight.

    He said: “Available security reports showed that Buhari had no hands in the impeachment plot against me.

    “The President had said that he had no enemy to fight. He said he has put the past behind him and why are the APC lawmakers still bent on impeaching me? What is there own in this matter?”

    Despite attempts made to impeach him, Fayose, however, pledged to pay all the entitlements of the 19 APC lawmakers and their seven PDP counterparts in the spirit of oneness and unity.

    Fayose , who promised to work with the new Assembly to bring the state out of the wood, however,  warned the new Speaker against being over ambitious like the other former occupants of the seat.

  • No vendetta against APC lawmakers, says Fayose

    No vendetta against APC lawmakers, says Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has said he would not seek vendetta against the 19 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers.

    Describing the last few months as a “very traumatic period for him”, the governor, who spoke in a broadcast yesterday, said he would not waste his time on revenge but face the business of governance.

    He praised the peoplefor their “unflinching support during his travail”.

    The governor hailed his supporters for standing by him to protect the mandate that brought him to power.

    According to him, the period of the crises could have been used for the development of the state.

    Fayose promised to  fulfill his campaign promises, despite the state’s  financial situation.

     He said the welfare of the people will continue to be his priority.

    His words: “The last few months have been traumatic, especially this week.

    “I was allowed to concentrate, but I left the battle for God to fight.

    “I told those planning to impeach me that they will succeed if they can impeach God.

    “ I did not bring myself back to power, my coming back after eight years is ordained.

    “I will now squarely face the business of governance.I will not waste time on revenge, I am not ready to muscle anyone since God had given me victory  on every side.

    Fayose urged the people to gather at Ijigbo junction today from where he would lead them on a victory walk to the House of Assembly for the inauguration of the new members.

  • I won’t seek revenge against APC lawmakers – Fayose

    I won’t seek revenge against APC lawmakers – Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has said he would not embark on any revenge mission against the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers over their bid to impeach him from office.

    Describing the last few months as a “very traumatic period for him,” Fayose who spoke in a broadcast on Thursday, said he would not waste his time on revenge but would face the business of governance for which he was elected.

    He commended people of the state for the “unflinching support” accorded him while attempts were made by the APC lawmakers to impeach him.

    The governor hailed his supporters for standing by him with one voice to protect the mandate given him at the June 21, 2014 election.

    The governor said the period of the crises could have been used for the development of the state, adding that with the victory against the attempted impeachment, he would now squarely face the business of governance.

    Fayose promised to fulfill his campaign promises despite the current financial situation, saying the welfare of the people will continue to be his priority.

    His words, “The last few months have been traumatic, especially this week. I was not given room for concentration, but I had left the battle for God to fight.

    “I told those planning to impeach me that they will succeed‎ if they can impeach God.  I did not bring myself back to power, my coming back after eight years is divined.

    “I defeated the APC totally in all the elections, still they did not want to concede victory easily until when Ekiti people rose to defend that June 21 mandate.

    ” I will now squarely face the business of governance. I will not waste time on revenge, I am not ready to muscle anyone since God had given me victory in all of the battles that confronted me.”

     

  • Fayose to Buhari: let me nominate ministerial candidate

    Fayose to Buhari: let me nominate ministerial candidate

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose yesterday demanded for the right to nominate the minister to represent the state at the Federal Executive Council.

    The governor, who belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), promised to send what he called “a worthy and competent Ekiti professional for appointment” as minister in the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.

    Fayose’s request is causing ripples in the state as he was among the PDP chieftains, who led a hate campaign against President Muhammadu Buhari in the run-up to the March 28 presidential election.

    He sponsored series of hate adverts with the most controversial, suggesting that Buhari might die in office on account of old age and unnamed health challenges.

    But the governor noted that his request to nominate a ministerial candidate “was based on the declaration made by the President that he would put the overall interest of the country above partisan interests and biases”.

    Fayose’s letter, dated May 31, stated that his demand was based on constitutional provisions.

    The governor said: “Should the request be favourably disposed to, I shall be happy to nominate a worthy and competent professional who can always oblige your Excellency and your cabinet the benefit of a second opinion in the serious business of governance.”

    He also hinted that his letter was on the strength of the 1999 Constitution Section 147 (2) and (3).

    Fayose argued that Ekiti is a PPD-controlled state where the governor, the National Assembly and the State Assembly members are all PDP members.

    He contended that “in the spirit of an all inclusive government with capacity for national integration,” the President should accord him the honour and privilege to name the minister from Ekiti State.

    In substantiating his argument, Fayose said former President Olusegun Obasanjo of the PDP appointed opposition figures into the then Federal Executive Council.

    He cited the example of the late Chief Bola Ige who was initially appointed Minister of Power and Steel before he was later appointed Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

    The governor also cited the example of former AD National Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Abdulkadir, who was appointed Special Adviser by Obasanjo.

    But the APC in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, described Fayose’s request as “a gratuitous insult and madness at its worst fit”.

    The party said: “Even if he were to be APC governor, hasn’t President Muhammadu Buhari made it clear that he won’t allow governors pick ministers for him?

    “Why didn’t Fayose fight for former Governor Kayode Fayemi to allow him suggest Ekiti ministerial nominees for President Goodluck Jonathan when the former President was appointing his ministers?

    “We hope Fayose will, for once, strike a sane chord in his public conduct and stop hallucinating about the right to nominate candidates for Ekiti ministerial slot.”

  • Fayose to Buhari: Let me pick Ekiti ministerial nominee

    Fayose to Buhari: Let me pick Ekiti ministerial nominee

    As President Muhammadu Buhari shops for ministers to serve in the yet-to-be constituted Federal Executive Council (FEC), Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose on Tuesday offered to nominate the minister to represent Ekiti State.

     The governor in a letter to President Buhari dated May 31  promised to send what he called “a worthy and competent Ekiti professional for appointment” as minister in the All Progressive Congress (APC) government.

     Fayose noted that his request to nominate a ministerial candidate to represent Ekiti interests in the federal cabinet “was based on the declaration made by the President that would put overall interest of the country above partisan interests and biases”.

     “Should the request be favourably disposed to, I shall be happy to nominate a worthy and competent professional who can always oblige your excellency and your cabinet the benefit of a second opinion in the serious business of governance”.

     The Governor also hinted that his letter was on the strength of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Section 147 Sub-Section (2) and (3).

     The Sub-section state as follows: “Any appointment to the office of the Minister of the government of the Federation shall if the nomination of any such person to such office is confirmed by the Senate , be made by the President.

     “Any appointment under sub- section (2) of this section by the President shall be in conformity with the provision of section 15 (3) of this constitution provided that in giving effect to the provision aforesaid, the President shall appoint at least one Minister from each state who shall be indegene of such state.

     Fayose argued that Ekiti is a PDP-controlled state where the governor, the National Assembly and the State Assembly members are all PDP members.

     He contended that “in the spirit of emplasing and all inclusive government with capacity for national integration,” the President should accord him the honour and privilege to name the minister that will come from Ekiti State.

     In substantiating his argument, Fayose said the PDP administration led by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo appointed opposition figures into the then federal cabinet.

     He cited the example of the late Chief Bola Ige who was initially appointed Minister of Power and Steel before he was later appointed Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice by Obasanjo.

     Fayose also cited the example of former AD National Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Abdulkadir who was appointed by Obasanjo as Special Adviser.

     But the APC in a reaction by its Publicity Secretary Taiwo Olatubosun has described Fayose’s request as “a gratuitous insult and madness at its worst fits”.

     The party said: “Even if he were to be APC governor, haven’t President Muhammadu Buhari made it plain that he won’t allow the governors to pick ministers for him?

     “Why didn’t Fayose fight for ‎Governor Kayode Fayemi to allow him suggest Ekiti ministerial nominees for President Goodluck Jonathan when the former President was appointing his ministers?

     “We hope Fayose will, for once, strike a sane chord in his public conduct and stop hallucinating about the right to nominate candidates for Ekiti ministerial slot, “APC stated. 

     

  • Ekiti: PDP warns APC lawmakers against impeachment

    Ekiti: PDP warns APC lawmakers against impeachment

    The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned the 19 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers in Ekiti State against impeaching the state Governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose.

    A statement issued on Monday by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, threatened to fully mobilise its members to stiffly resist the alleged plot by the APC lawmakers to impeach the governor.

    The party said the move could cause confusion and trigger mayhem as a means of securing political control of the state.

    “The PDP is aware that the outgoing lawmakers are desperate to wreck havoc on the state before the end of their tenure on Thursday as a final attempt in their failed heinous mission to unseat Governor Ayo Fayose,” the statement said.

    The party warned the APC lawmakers to watch their steps and not to take its civility for granted, as it would not hesitate to defend the governor with all force availed by the law.

    “We wish to state in very clear terms that we would not condone any more move by the rejected APC lawmakers to subvert the will of the people of Ekiti state as expressed in the mandate freely given to Governor Ayo Fayose.

    “These outgoing APC lawmakers whose mandates have already been withdrawn by the people should watch their steps and not in any way take our civility and Governor Fayose’s deportment for peace, unity and harmony for granted.

    “We issue this as a final warning. Our members and supporters in Ekiti state are able, willing and ready to defend our mandate using all available instruments granted by the law.

    “We have the capacity and will have no other option unless the APC lawmakers retrace their steps and embrace peace. Enough is enough,” the statement added.

    The party underlined that the position of the Federal High Court on the status of the lawmakers and proceedings of the House regarding the “odious plot” to impeach Governor Fayose was clear, adding that it would not in any way condone or tolerate any move by the APC lawmakers to subvert the course of justice.

    While commending the people of Ekiti state for their courage in standing by Governor Fayose, the PDP urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call the lawmakers to order, especially given the olive branch already extended to them by the governor in the interest of peace and development of the state.

    The party charged security agencies to be on high alert and ensure that there was no breakdown of law and order in the state.