The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Kayode Fayemi

  • Fayemi cancels Fayose’s education tax, restores free education

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has cancelled the education development levy imposed on pupils of public and private schools by former Governor Ayo Fayose.
    Fayemi gave the order on Tuesday at the Ekiti North senatorial town hall meeting held in Ido-Ekiti as part of activities to mark his inauguration.
    The governor declared free education in public primary and secondary schools to give indigent children access to education.
    The Fayose regime imposed N1,000 on all pupils and students in private and government-owned schools.
    The imposition of the levy was challenged in court by Catholic Diocese of Ekiti and is now before the Court of Appeal, Ado-Ekiti Division.
    Fayemi said free education was one of the cardinal policies of his first administration describing education as a legacy that must not go beyond the reach of the poor.

    Read Also: Thousands witness Fayemi’s inauguration in Ekiti

    The governor advised candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who won at the last primaries to be magnanimous in victory and carry the losers along ahead of the general elections.
    He stressed that the winners are candidates of his party and not his (Fayemi’s) candidates hence all hands must be on deck to ensure their victory.
    Fayemi also urged the people of the state to vote overwhelmingly for President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 16 presidential election.
    The President, according to him, needs the votes of the Ekiti electorate to return to office and consolidate on the gains achieved during his first term.

  • Inauguration: Fayemi unfolds four-point agenda

     …TAKES OATH OF OFFICE

     

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, was on Tuesday sworn into office with a promise to work harder and better the lives of the people.

    Fayemi promised not to disappoint the people who gave him a rare privilege of coming to office for the second time.

    Speaking shortly after the oath of allegiance and the oath of office was administered on him and the Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, by the Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, Fayemi said he is not on a revenge mission.

    Fayemi who took the oath of office at about 12.25 pm said he will ensure that the payment of arrears of workers’ salaries is fully and firmly addressed as soon as possible.

    The governor said his administration will concentrate on four cardinal areas to make the difference in the life of the people.

    These include agriculture and rural development, social investment, infrastructure development and entrenching knowledge economy.

    He pleaded for the patience and understanding of Ekiti people and promised not to let them down.

    Read Also; Inauguration: Fayemi pledges to review abandoned projects in Ekiti

    The governor said he will review all documents to know the exact financial situation of the state and make findings known to the people within 100 days.

    According to him, the day signalled the “end of an era and end of an error in which Ekiti passed through wilderness in the last four years.”

    More reports coming later…

  • Thousands witness Fayemi’s inauguration in Ekiti

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Read Also: Ekiti: Fayemi sworn-in as governor

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

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

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

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

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

  • Rain in Ado-Ekiti ahead of Fayemi’s inauguration

    …BUHARI, OTHER DIGNITARIES EXPECTED

     

    Rain has descended on Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, Tuesday morning ahead of the inauguration of new governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

    The rain which started at about 6.55 am lasted for about 20 minutes.

    Although the rain has ceased, but the weather is still cloudy.

    The state government through the Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka, has declared Tuesday as work-free.

    Government ministries, departments and agencies including schools will be closed for Tuesday.

    The holiday was to allow civil servants to be part of the inauguration.

    Read Also: EFCC Gombe Zonal office gets new head of operations

    Security agents are standing guard in many places in Ado-Ekiti as President Muhammadu Buhari and other eminent Nigerians are expected to witness the inauguration.

    A good number of guests have been arriving the state since Monday.

    The town has been decorated with banners, posters and billboards trumpeting the inauguration.

  • Breaking: Fayemi’s wife visits Fayose at Govt. house ahead of inauguration

    Members of the Inauguration Committee/Transition Committee set up by Ekiti State Governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Saturday paid a working visit to the Government House.
    The visit was aimed at ensuring the success of the October 16 inauguration and comfort of eminent personalities that will grace the occasion.
    Led by the wife of the governor-elect, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, the committee was received by outgoing Governor Ayo Fayose.
    Fayose, who received the team, restated his readiness to cooperate with the incoming administration.

    Read Also: Fayemi…Back on familiar turf

    He disclosed that he will officially hand over the Government House on Sunday to the Head of Service, Dr. Gbenga Faseluka.
    Mrs. Fayemi commended Fayose for hosting the committee noting that the visit and inspection was part of the committee’s assignment.
    She expressed delight that on the availability of the complex to host some of the guests that will be on ground for Fayemi’s inauguration.
    Those on Mrs. Fayemi’s entourage include Mr. Deji Ajayi, Mr. Tade Aluko, Mr. Dapo Karonwi, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji and Mrs. Bunmi Obanise.

  • Buhari, governors, ministers, others for Fayemi’s inauguration

    President Muhammadu Buhari will lead other eminent Nigerians to the inauguration of Ekiti State Governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Tuesday.

    Fayemi will be sworn in alongside the Deputy Governor-elect, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, by the state Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion.

    Buhari, who had promised to attend Fayemi’s inauguration shortly after the latter won the All Progresse Congress (APC) primary, will be the Special Guest of Honour.

    The Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Inauguration Ceremonies, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, disclosed this on Wednesday at a news conference to herald to mark week long activities to usher Fayemi into office.

    Oyebode revealed that others expected at the inauguration include governors, ministers, military and paramilitary top brass, traditional rulers, diplomats, clergymen, party leaders, civil society groups, artisans, market women and general public.

    Speaking on the significance of Buhari’s personal attendance of Fayemi’s inauguration, Oyebode described the President as a “lover of Ekiti and father of the nation.”

    He added that Fayemi served under Buhari as Minister and supervised the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, a sector that was dear to the heart of the President.

    The Chairman of the Security Committee, Brig. -Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (retd), said the military will be part of the security arrangements adding that security operatives will be drafted from neighbouring states.

    Events to make the milestone, according to Oyebode, commence on October 15 Inauguration Lecture to be delivered by eminent poet and literary icon, Prof. Niyi Osundare and Book Presentation, Photo Exhibition and presentation of prizes to Essay Competition winners.

    Besides the swearing-in ceremony on October 16, reception will take place at the same venue, Ekiti Parapo Pavilion.

    Fayemi, after being inaugurated, will hold a Town Hall meeting at Ekiti North senatorial district at Odo Udo Primary School, Ido Ekiti in the morning of October 17 while that of Ekiti South will hold at Ereja Park, Ikere Ekiti in the afternoon.

    On October 18, an interfaith thanksgiving service holds in Ado Ekiti in the morning to be followed by Ekiti Central town hall meeting at Aramoko Motor Park, Aramoko-Ekiti.

    A Thanksgiving Jumat Service holds at Ado-Ekiti Central Mosque on October 19 while on October 20, Ekiti Arts, Culture and Talent Fair at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion.

    Inauguration activities will be rounded off on October 21 with a Thanksgiving service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Old Garage.

    On the same day, a reception will hold at Fayemi’s personal residence, Eyiyato Lodge, Isan-Ekiti.

    Read Also: FG charges Ekweremadu, other with non-declaration of assets

    Oyebode added: “It would be a new dawn on October 16 as Dr. Fayemi will be back on track to take the government back to the people again for accountable government that will also make Ekiti people active participants in the way they are governed.

    “This knack for institutionalisation of participatory governance by Fayemi has reflected in the stakeholders forum commissioned by him where Ekiti people spoke I’m conference on their expectations from the government.

    “Now, the journey for the actualisation of Ekiti dreams starts on October 16, 2018; the date fate has chosen for Ekiti State to recover her destiny and turn around her fortune.

    “Suffice to say that this kind of historic and historical occasion held to celebrate the freedom of a people cannot go without pomp and drums with dignitaries in attendance to join the celebration.”

  • Ekiti Pensioners: We are tired of one day, one death

    Slam Fayose for alleged neglect

    Pensioners in Ekiti State have slammed Governor Ayodele Fayose for alleged neglect which is has triggered daily deaths among them

    Acting under the aegis of Concerned Local Government Pensioners Association of Nigeria (CLGPAN), they regretted that unpaid arrears of pension have caused them untold hardship.

    The embattled retirees said they are tired of “one day, one death among them” calling on the governor-elect Dr. Kayode Fayemi to make their welfare a priority during his administration.

    They said Fayose’s alleged neglect, which they said had impoverished their members and made them vulnerable to all forms of diseases.

    The pensioners made the appeal on Wednesday after a prayer session organized to seek the face of God against high incidences of deaths among members.

    A communiqué issued at the end of the session and signed by CLGPAN’s Coordinator/Chairman, Alhaji Quadri Oguntuase  and Secretary, Mr. Abiodun Agboola, regretted that none of its member has  received  its monthly pension since January, 2018.

    The communique said it sounded so pathetic that while Nigerians were celebrating   Independence Day on October 1, that pensioner in Ekiti were burying their members and crying over avoidable issues.

    Read Also: Strike: Govt. offices shut as Ekiti workers stay at home

    “At that payer session, we didn’t just pray for God’s intervention, we also viewed the neglect of our members in the scheme of things as callous, and greatest height of insensitivity.

    “We want to alert the public that we have not been paid once this year, we have no reason to shout happy new year since 2018, because our we have not been paid.

    “Everybody is celebrating Independence Day, but we are mourning over our colleagues who have died in the course excruciating pains of hunger and treatable diseases.

    “Some of us live on the children who have no specific jobs after their graduation and service year. We are tired of this situation and the next government must change the trend.

    “On this note, we appeal to the Governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi to make the welfare of our members its priority.

    “He should as a matter of importance arrest the deaths among our members. How can someone worked for 35 years and later abandoned to suffer in the hands of government?

    “What made our situation more pathetic was that, it was the same government we served that has been meting out this punishment on us. We are tired of one-day, one -death  among our members”, the communiqué stated.

  • Fayemi, Ekiti APC congratulate Oyetola

    Fayemi: It’s time for regional integration and development

    APC: New dawn in Osun

    Ekiti State Governor-Elect, Dr Kayode Fayemi, and the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have congratulated Osun State Governor-elect Gboyega Oyetola on his victor.

    While Fayemi said the Southwest regional integration and development agenda will now become a reality, Ekiti APC urged Oyetola to consolidate on the gains recorded under outgoing Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

    Fayemi in a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media, Olayinka Oyebode, described the keenly contested election as a reflection of the huge political awareness and maturity of the people of Osun State, adding that it was heart-warming that the better candidate emerged victorious.

    He said: “Congratulations to the Governor-Elect, Gboyega Oyetola, and to our great party, APC.  The people have spoken, and clearly too. It is indeed victory for democracy and all lovers of progress.

    “The regional integration and development agenda of the South West would now become a reality, with all the attendant benefits for the people of the geo-political zone.”

    Read Also: Osun: Oyetola wins

    Dr Fayemi, who described Oyetola as a seasoned administrator and astute manager of men and resources, said he is confident the Governor-elect will take the state to the next level of development, having been a part of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s development-focused administration.

    Ekiti APC in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ade Ajayi, described the victory as an opportunity for Oyetola to build on the good works of the Aregbesola administration that he described as “the builder of modern Osun.”

    Ajayi expressed optimism that the governor-elect would father transform Osun with the people-centered manifesto of the APC going by his antecedents and exploits as  a loyal party man who stood by his principal.

    While pledging collaboration and cooperation with Osun APC, Ajayi commended Aregbesola for ensuring that the party retains Osun despite the “antics of some retrogressive and reactionary elements.”

    The Ekiti APC hailed the people of Osun State for their steadfastness and peaceful conduct before, during and after the election urging opposition parties to accept the result in good faith and cooperate with the governor-elect on the task of building a prosperous state.

  • Fayemi’s efforts in boosting food production commendable, says Fatoba

    House of Representatives aspirant in Ekiti State, Mr. Olusola Fatoba, has hailed governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s efforts at improving agricultural production in the state on assumption of office.

    He noted that huge investment in processing units across the value chains of crop export produce in the state, formed part of priority of the incoming APC-led government.

    Fatoba who is contesting to represent Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1 at the lower chamber of the National Assembly, however, expressed the willingness to join hand with the incoming Governor to achieve the aim of developing agriculture in the state.

    The state has comparative advantage in food and cash crops which include, cocoa, coffee, cassava, rubber, cashew, rice and yam amongst others.

    He said Fayemi’s vision require the supports of people like minds to make Ekiti great again.

    APC chieftain who spoke to newsmen yesterday in Ado Ekiti, while reacting to Fayemi’s visit to Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, to seek cooperation with the Ministry on how to  improve agricultural production and employment in the state especially among the youths and to build on YCAD he initiated during his time in office.

    Read Also: Fayemi cautions Fayose on supplementary budget

    Fatoba who posited that agriculture should be given adequate priority to engage teeming unemployed youths and graduates saying such will promote food production and reduce hunger among the people.

    He said: “Part of our blueprint is to strengthen agriculture sector of the state because it has the potential to proffer solutions to major economic challenges bedevilling the society.

    “The fact that this lofty ideas and vision of Governor Fayemi in agricultural sector require a collective efforts, that is why I am offering myself to join in making this his vision a reality for Ekiti State to be great again”.

    Fatoba said boosting the the economy of the state through agriculture demand the political will of Nigerian leaders at all levels of government.

    He promised to use his position to complement efforts of the state government better in boosting  agricultural when elected as member of the House of Representatives.

  • 2019: APC governors insist on indirect primaries

    …few states adopt direct primaries

     

    Governors of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) appeared to have had their way regarding the mode of primary to adopt for the conduct of party primaries across the country as they rose from their meeting on Wednesday night insisting on using both direct and indirect option in the various states.

    The meeting of the governors under the Progressive Governors Forum was attended by the National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of the party and the Ekiti state governor elect, Kayode Fayemi.

    Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Imo state governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, Owelle Rochas Okorocha said the governors decided to adopt both option, with majority of the states going for the indirect option.

    Even though he did not name the states going for the indirect option, Okorocha said the governors resolved to work for the success of the party before, during and after the primary and also work to ensure victory for the party during the general election.

    He said “We just held a meeting with the Chairman and we’ve resolved that in support of the party that we are going to have free and fair primaries. Everybody will be given equal chance to participate in the primaries which will be transparent, free and fair.

    “We have adopted both direct and indirect and most of the states are going for indirect primaries, but for the president it is going to be direct primaries. So we have all resolved and to assure Nigerians that we are ready for the primaries and we are ready for the main election as decided by NEC and we are sure that come 2019 APC shall have the victory. We are calling on all our supporters to support the party.

    “The 22 governors and the National Working Committee are working together and we have resolved to make sure that we get victory for the party come 2019.”

    Asked how the governors intend to handle the deluge of complain from their states especially those who want direct primary, he said “the NEC made it clear that the parties will decide at every state level what they want, either direct or indirect primaries.

    “Normally you would know that our party is even a peaceful party. It is the most peaceful party in Nigeria right now where there are no schemishes and scuffles. If you are looking at other parties, you would know there is no party at all. So these minor complains here and there is expected because even in a family you have it.

    “The NEC have declared that we are going to have direct and indirect primaries and the party at the state level will decide what type of primary to adopt.”

    Contributing, Kaduna state Governor, Mallam Nasir EL-Rufai there was no way every member of the party will agree to one thing, pointing out that the decision on which option to adopt in accordance with NEC decision is to be based on majority decision.

    He said: “There is no way one hundred percent of the party will agree to one thing. There will always be some that will disagree but the decision of NEC is that the majority of the state Executive Committee decided on the mode of primaries.

    “And the Kaduna state that you mentioned which I’m the Governor by the grace of God, the majority of the State Executive Committee decided on indirect primaries. If one or two members don’t agree, that’s off that is not the decision of NEC.”

    Apparently bowing to pressure, National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said the task before the leadership of the party was to ensure the conduct of a credible primary that will be free, fair and transparent.

    Oshiomhole said “I think my task and the task of the party is clear. We have a tradition as a progressive party to submit ourselves to the dictates of our party and we believe in internal democracy because we are democrats and democracy must begin from within the house before we can do it outside.

    “We are committed to transparent primaries and will ensure that everyone who has interest in our party and we are happy at the level of enthusiasm measured by the number of persons who have applied for various positions from House of Assembly up shows a huge number of Nigerians still prefer the All Progressives Congress as the more credible platform of which to contest.

    “Our task is very simple, obey the rules of the party, obey the rules of fairness, obey the rules of natural justice and that is what we mean when we talk about free and fair primaries.

    “Number two, we have spoken to this before, it is not a new decision that our constitution consciously provided for flexibility to reflect the diversity of our great country and also to try to give expression to the entire essence of federalism which allows different states to look at their own situation and advice the NWC as to what works better for them provided that in all cases the process is democratic, the rules are fair, the officiating officials are impartial.

    “All of us, Governors, NWC and even President, we all agreed that this is the way to go and that is what we are going to do.

    Speaking on Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, Oshiomhole said “the attempt to say an embattled Governor, there is no APC Governor that is embattled and because we are democratic, the best way to measure democracy is the presence of more than one person showing interest in an office.

    “That does not make any other person embattled. But of course the media can create this impression that there is an earthquake in Lagos, there is no earthquake.

    “At every level I have seen people claiming that in one or two offices there was no opposition. In every other office we have more than one candidate expressing interest. Those people who are currently occupying those positions are not by reasons of those new expressions of interests embattled.

    “Three, to say that you have never seen Lagos State Governor in our meetings is to the extent that your lens is blurred. My records and minutes of our meetings will show the participation of Lagos State Governor in all the meetings in which he has been invited. But like some other Governors, some meetings have coincided with some other activities.

    “There is no Governor including my humble self when I was a Governor I didn’t manage to achieve 100 percent attendance. Even in parliament, there are minimum requirements so I don’t think it is fair to suggest that you have seen somebody here because of anything.

    “I think our party in Lagos is at peace, there are conversations going on at the ward level across the 8,500 wards or there about across the country conversations are going on within the APC family. Conversations are going on in each of the 774 Local Governments across the country.

    “Our party members are negotiating, they are persuading, they are doing compromises, and they are competing, because we are progressing. Across the 36 states our party activity is at its peak and that is how it is even at the centre. So it will be unfair for anyone out of his own prejudice to label anyone as embattled or being pressured. Everyone has been active.”