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Tag: Kayode Fayemi

  • Fayemi begins re-election campaign with prayers for peace

    Fayemi begins re-election campaign with prayers for peace

    •Governor warns politicians against violence

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi was yesterday in his hometown, Isan in Oye Local Government Area to tell his kinsmen that he is running for a fresh tenure.

    Dr Fayemi kicked off his re-election campaign in a grand style.

    The day began with a church service at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, where the governor warned politicians against violence in the pursuit of their ambitions.

    Fayemi, who intends to contest the June 21 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said he dedicated the day to pray to God for the peaceful conduct of the poll.

    He said he does not want anyone’s blood to be shed on the altar of politics, urging aspirants and their supporters to go to the election field, which he described as a “marketplace of ideas”, to sell their programmes and allow the electorate choose the best person to lead them.

    The four-in-one event featured a campaign rally at Isan-Ekiti, the opening of Fayemi’s Campaign Office at Ado–Ekiti and unveiling of the JKF re-election campaign logo, which were attended by the governor’s kinsmen, government officials, APC members and the public.

    On the need for a peaceful poll, Fayemi said the state has witnessed peace since he assumed office in October, 2010, adding that Ekiti is no more a state that experiences “one week one trouble”.

    Urging politicians, security agencies, voters and other stakeholders to ensure that the peace is not disturbed, the governor said: “If there is an election that should be issue-based and devoid of violence, it should be this one. We are all witnesses to the fulfillment of God’s purpose in our land.

    “Our people are not stupid. They will make up their minds on whether they want to return to the sordid past of one-week-one-trouble or maintain the path of peace and development we have been experiencing since I assumed office three-and-a-half years ago.

    “We are here to pray for the peaceful conduct of this election and in my broadcast earlier this morning, I emphasised the importance of a peaceful election and why we must contribute to its peaceful conduct. No ambition, not even mine, is worth the spilling of any person’s blood and I urge everyone to conduct him/herself in a non-violent manner.

    “This is a contest of ideas and the people can judge us on how we have conducted ourselves since October, 2010. Those who believe they have better ideas are free to take them to the people and leave the people to decide the direction of our journey.

    “The people know the difference between the good and the bad, light and darkness. The people have seen the difference between what Ekiti used to look like and what it is today.”

    In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Felix Ajakaye, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be independent in name and in deed, saying “Ekiti people are honourable and would not take nonsense”.

    He warned politicians to stop disrespecting the electorate by giving them money in exchange for their votes, adding: “This is another season of politics when people will be running after politicians and this is the time for highest bidder politics. For people who collect money from the highest bidding politician, they will lose at the end because such money never last.”

    The bishop, who said he heard some people complaining that Fayemi does not throw money around like some politicians, urged the governor to maintain this attitude.

    He said Fayemi’s refusal to throw money around resulted in the delivery of many life-changing policies and projects.

    Bishop Ajakaye said even though the people of Israel murmured against Moses in the Bible, he led them to the Promised Land.

    Urging Fayemi to remain focused, he said: “You cannot satisfy everybody. If you want to satisfy everybody, things will end in shame. Some of the people that are benefiting from you are the same people that will go out and say that they have not gained anything from you.

    “If you construct roads, they will complain; if you do not construct roads, they will complain. Continue to be stingy because the era of sharing money to the people is over in Ekiti.”

    The cleric urged Fayemi to protect the good name he has built over the years and always remember that everyone is watching him.

    He suggested that lawmaking should be made part-time to give room for people who have a genuine passion for working for the people without monetary motivation.

    Isan-Ekiti indigenes, under the aegis of the Home Support Group, at the rally said Fayemi has performed well in office and merits another term.

    They donated a car to aid the governor’s campaign.

    The governor was joined on the campaign podium by his wife, Bisi; deputy, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; the first civilian governor of the state and APC National Vice Chairman, Southwest, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo and top government officials.

    The Onisan (traditional ruler of the community), Oba Sunday Ajiboye, prayed for the governor, saying his ancestors will back Fayemi to win the poll.

    President of Isan Progressive Union (IPU) Chief Bade Gboyega said all indigenes will support Fayemi, who he said had done the community proud by his administrative style.

    Addressing a crowd at the rally, Fayemi thanked them for their support. He said all parts of the state have felt the impact of his administration, adding that he is encouraged to contest for another term by his desire to serve Ekiti people better.

    Fayemi said he has represented Isan people well as his administration has been corruption-free and ensured development.

    He urged the people to be wary of “the party of looters”, which he said is desperate to return to power, saying Ekiti people have resolved not to go back to the era of criminality and brigandage.

    Fayemi said: “In our three-and-a-half years, there is no place the dividends of democracy have not reached. There is no road in Ekiti now that will make you change your brake pad or make your engine knock. No government official has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) since we assumed office and we are enjoying peace. I heard the looting party is threatening to come back, but we say forward ever backward never.

    “Ekiti State shall not return to the era of criminality, brigandage, trouble, thuggery, one-week-one-trouble. In this journey, I will never walk alone. Ekiti will not go back to darkness. The light has come to Ekiti and the light will stay in Ekiti.”

    After the rally, the campaign train moved to Ado-Ekiti, where the governor opened his campaign office in Ajilosun and unveiled his campaign logo.

    Fayemi said the building had witnessed many cries and struggles, but it is time to experience laughter.

    Explaining the significance of his campaign colours, he said: “You can see the dominance of blue, which represents love and peace. The red here symbolises energy, not blood. It stands for energy, drive, commitment and compassion, not violence or criminality. The white represents purity. That is the purity of our minds and purpose.”

     

  • Rally for Fayemi today

    Rally for Fayemi today

    A POLITICAL group, Fayemi 2014 group will today a rally sensitise the people of Ekiti State on the re-election of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s reelection in the June 21 poll.

    The rally, according to a statement by the group’s convener, Mr Adegboyega Sunday Dahunsi (aka eyeluajire), will begin at Governor Kayode Fayemi Campaign, Ajilosun, on Ikere-Ekiti Road, Ado-Ekiti.

    The time is 8am

    Dahunsi, who lives in Baltimore, United States said Fayemi is to sensitise to let people realise the development effort of the governor and for them to vote massively for his reelection.

  • Ekiti 2014: Group warn against use of unemployed as thugs

    Ekiti 2014: Group warn against use of unemployed as thugs

    As the June 21, 2014 Ekiti State governorship election draws closer, a group of eminent sons and daughters of the state, Igbimo Ure Ekiti, has called for a very credible, transparent, fair and just, successful election.

    Berating the do-or-die politics of some politicians, the group warned members of the political class against use of the unemployed as thugs, ballot stuffers and snatchers before, during and after election.

    It, therefore, charged the political stakeholders, especially security operatives and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to avoid being used by desperate politicians.

    The group made the call after a two-day advocacy tour, which began with a visit to the state governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi. Thereafter, members of the group visited the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Hussaini Halilu; Director of the State Security Services (SSS), Mr. Samuel Tamuno and the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Felix Uyanna, during which they respectively prayed for a very peaceful transparent and credible.

    Those on the advocacy tour, according to a release signed by Aramide Tola Noibi, included the former Secretary of Health, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; Chairman, Chartered Standard Bank Ltd, Sir Remi Omotoso; former Registrar, Chartered Institute of Bankers, Chief Esan Ogunleye, to mention but a few.

     

  • Call Ekiti PDP, LP to order, group urges police

    Call Ekiti PDP, LP to order, group urges police

    •LP: we had no hand in violence

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi’s Campaign Organisation has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of “re—activating” violence in the state.

    It urged well-meaning Nigerians, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to be wary of the PDP’s “violent actions”, which it said is informed by the fear of electoral defeat.

    In a statement by its spokesman, Dimeji Daniels, the campaign organisation said: “Confronted by the reality that the people of Ekiti State have rejected it, the PDP has activated its long-orchestrated series of violent acts against the peace-loving people.”

    It accused the PDP and “its Labour Party (LP) extension” of contracting mercenary voters from Kogi and Ondo states, adding that 18 of the mercenaries from Idanre in Ondo State were arrested by the police at the weekend.

    The organisation said: “The plan to get these impostors registered in Ekiti State did not pan out well, as Ekiti people resisted this gross and intentional violation of the Electoral Act. Last Sunday, some PDP hoodlums attempted to smuggle in mercenary voters at St. Luke’s African Church Primary School Polling Unit, Ayede/Itaji Ward 10, but they were resisted.

    “This obviously angered PDP hoodlums at the polling unit, who later trailed Mr. Bolaji Matthew, one of the registered voters at the polling unit and the Supervisor for Education in Oye Local Government, to his home in Oloje, Oye Local Government, where they beat the daylight out of him. Matthew is still receiving treatment at a hospital.

    “An hour later, these hoodlums descended on the INEC office in Oye Local Government to cart away voter registration materials and Direct Data Capturing (DDC) machines.

    “If the PDP could exhibit this level of desperation and show of naked violence at this time, one can imagine what it is planning for the election on June 21. We are well aware that the PDP has been holding series of nocturnal meetings to perfect its violent acts. We are also aware of its boast that it would send fear down the spine of APC members in Ekiti State, as well as its plan to kidnap top officials of the state government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) and blame it on the insecurity in the country.

    “However, everyone knows Ekiti is peaceful, meaning that the PDP’s plan would be dead on arrival. While we were not in government, we fought the PDP legally without resorting to self-help to retrieve our stolen mandate. We will continue on this path, but let it be known to all those beating the drums of war that the APC cannot be cowed and will resist their violent acts. We will make sure that the PDP’s seven-and-a-half years of the locusts in Ekiti State are not relived. Ekiti people say NEVER AGAIN to the PDP! We shall no more see the Egyptians we saw between May 29, 2003 and October 15, 2010!”

    The organisation condemned a statement credited to an LP governorship aspirant, Mr. Opeyemi Bamidele, that the June 21 election is “fight to finish”.

    It said: “We condemn a statement credited to Bamidele yesterday. At a town hall meeting in Iyin-Ekiti, superintended by the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaiye, where Bamidele was quoted to have said that the June 21 election is ‘fight to finish’ and that he would not hesitate to mobilise thugs to Ekiti State from Mushin in Lagos State. This utterance is unbecoming of someone aspiring to lead a progressive state like Ekiti.

    “Indeed, some LP thugs loyal to Bamidele inflicted machete cuts on two APC members, Ojo Seyi and Busuyi Alake, during the distribution of permanent voter cards in Iyin-Ekiti. He indeed acted true to his threats before uttering them to the gathering of Iyin-Ekiti sons and daughters. This is barbaric, inhuman and desperate.

    “While the Kayode Fayemi Campaign Organisation commends the Police for arresting the mercenary voters from Idanre in Ondo State, we urge the force to call the PDP and LP to order. We equally call on well-meaning stakeholders to condemn these barbaric acts of the PDP and the Bamidele faction of the LP. When ambition becomes desperation, men of goodwill must not remain silent. We must jointly ensure that desperate politicians do not return Ekiti to the days of One Day, One Trouble.

    “Ekiti people have made up their minds to vote for Dr. John Kayode Fayemi. All these violent acts by the PDP and the LP will not win them a single vote in Ekiti. They have been rejected by the people before the election.”

    LP State Chairman Akin Omole denied the allegations, saying: “If there is any party suspected to have perpetrated illegality in the registration, it was the APC.”

  • ‘Tinubu is taking after Awo’

    ‘Tinubu is taking after Awo’

    Mrs Agnes Adeola Roy retired from the Federal Civil Service in 2007, after 23 years. Now a lawyer, she is aspiring to represent Ekiti Senatorial Central District under the All Progressives Congress (APC). In this interview with JOSEPH ESHANOKPE, she explains why she is running.

    Governor Kayode Fayemi is going for a second term. Considering the opposition from other camps, do you think he will make it?

    Governor Kayode Fayemi has tried in Ekiti State. His is what can be described in legal terms as res ipsa loquitor (which means the fact speaks for itself). On roads, he has done so much. He is the first governor to pay the aged social security allowance. Though it is small, it goes a long way in helping the beneficiaries. He has reformed the civil service, appointing technocrats and bureaucrats in right places. All the hospitals are well funded and have drugs, unlike before. He built maternity centres in all the local governments. His government is gender-friendly. He has more women in his team than previous governors. He has eradicated discrimination, which undermined women development. His administration is the first to domesticate the Freedom of Information Law, and it respects the rule of law. It is also the first to pass the gender-based violence law. Based on these, I think he will make it.

    What about the National Leader of your party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu?

    What the people did not allow Awo to do, Tinubu is doing it. He is a visionary leader and detribalised. Under Asiwaju, we had Ibo as commissioners in Lagos. It has not happened in other states. He is a man of the people; very honest. Since the time of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), he’s been fighting for democracy. My wish is that God will continue to protect Tinubu, the Jagaban of Africa.

    Why did you choose the All Progressives Congress (APC)?

    My parents and I have always been progressives. My dad was an Awoist. My elder brother was an ardent believer of the late Pa Awo to the extent that he made an album and titled it: “Dedicated to Chief Awolowo, the Asiwaju of Yorubaland.” So, we have always belonged to the progressives’ camp.

    Let me tell you a story. My dad was a prophet and a Bishop. He used to move from street to street preaching. One day, he told people that there should be no election and that they should hand over power to Awo, if they wanted peace in the land. Many people, including his children, laughed at him. Was he not right? You can see what is happening. I believe that in a country, God always sends a messiah. He sent Mandela to South Africa, to stop apartheid. Awo was supposed to be our messiah, but they never allowed him to be. That is why we are in this mess. So, from UPN, AD, AC, ACN to APC, we have always been there.

    Why are you vying for the Senate?

    Since I am a lawyer, I feel I will be more useful to the grassroots as a senator. I love to be at the top, so that I can help the people at the grassroots. I will support the laws that will affect them positively.

    Given that most members of the Upper House are men, do you think you can make a difference?

    I will ensure that my voice is not silent. When I believe in a cause, I don’t give up. As a Iawyer, the Senate would be a familiar terrain.

    What bills are you likely to support?

    For example, if the Senate decides that a woman should be president, I will support it. There are (were) women presidents/prime ministers in Liberia, India and others.

    That means, women-friendly bills?

    Yes.

    What other bills will you push?

    Gender equality bill, poverty alleviation bill for the masses, free education at all levels and social security bill for them too. In Britain and Libya, the masses are paid social security allowance. I will ensure that Nigerians are also paid.

    In your poster yet to be released, you listed character, representativeness and goodwill as attributes you will uphold. Can you expatiate?

    The representativeness means I will represent the masses very, very well because I started from a humble beginning and I know what it feels to be poor. I will not be cut off from the people.

    On goodwill, I have a pleasant disposition towards people, even those I have not met. And though it is not good for one to praise oneself, I know that I have a good character.

    Assess the Senate’s performance

    The senators are trying. But I believe they can do better.

    The masses?

    They are not asking for too much. All they want are good roads, food, electricity, education and water. But, as it is, they are suffering. When I see some situations, my heart bleeds.

    Advice to leaders

    Our politicians should get it right. They should not see politics as a do-or-die affair. They should have the love of the people at heart.

     

     

  • We‘ll resist PDP’s ‘rigging plan’

    We‘ll resist PDP’s ‘rigging plan’

    The campaign organisation of Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has told Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors to stop strategising on how to win the June 21 governorship election, stressing that the people will take their destiny in their hands and vote for the most credible candidate.

    The organisation was reacting to a meeting held by the PDP Governor’s Forum at the weekend in Minna, Niger State, where the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls were top on the agenda.

    In a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Dimeji Daniels, the organisation said: “This is 2014, three years and five months since Ekiti people started enjoying good governance under the Fayemi administration. The people, having seen in less than four years of the Fayemi administration what the PDP could not do in the seven-and-a-half years when it ruled the state, are angrier with the PDP and are ready to resist its evil machinations.

    “In less than four years, the life expectancy of Ekiti people became the highest in the country because of the administration’s free health missions and the N5,000 monthly stipend given to 25,000 senior citizens.

    “This is historic, the first in sub-Saharan Africa. Before Fayemi became the governor, the child and maternal mortality rate under the PDP administration was 420 per 100,000 births, because 62 per cent of expectant mothers were delivered of their babies at home.

    “In less than a year after Fayemi assumed office, the mortality rate dropped to 135 per 100,000 births because under the administration’s free health policy, expectant mothers can walk into any government-owned hospital and be attended to. This is why Ekiti has the lowest child and maternal mortality rate in the country today.”

    The organisation said PDP-controlled states have not been able to achieve this feat despite the billions that accrue to them as allocation, adding that the Ekiti State government, through Fayemi’s creativity and prudence, has wiped off the tears of its people, “which were brought about by the PDP’s seven-and-a-half years of misrule”.

    It described Akwa-Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio’s claim that Ekiti people were ready to vote for the PDP in June as erroneous and mischievous, adding: “Governor Akpabio is obviously being misled by his PDP lackeys posing as governorship aspirants in Ekiti State. These are fellows who are more interested in the money they can make off President Jonathan for the June 21 poll. As far as they are concerned, this governorship contest gives them an opportunity to make money.

    “It is business for them, as usual! I would think that no leader who knows his onions would rely on lies to draw conclusions. We are ready to host Akpabio in Ekiti State, so that he can have a feel of what good governance means and how a leader does not need billions of oil money before he can miraculously turn around the fortunes of his people.

    “He would also have the opportunity to know first-hand that Ekiti people see PDP as a party they never want to have anything to do with. While Akpabio’s statement that Ekiti was a PDP-ruled state in 2007 is true, it is necessary to refresh his knowledge of Ekiti history and politics.

    “Ekiti has always identified with progressive politics. An attempt to forcefully change this was what led to the 1983 election carnage in the old Ondo State, which Ekiti was part of. At the return of Nigeria to civil rule in 1999, Ekiti toed the progressive path again, only for the then President Olusegun Obasanjo to foist a character like Ayo Fayose on the state in 2003.”

    The organisation warned the PDP to shelve “its rigging plans”, adding that it would be shocked by the volume of resistance it would get, if it fails to do.

    It said: “We recall the words of former House of Representatives Speaker Dimeji Bankole, when he boasted in Igede-Ekiti at a rally for Mr. Segun Oni before the 2009 rerun that the PDP ‘will use soldiers’. Indeed, true to Bankole’s words, they brought soldiers to Ekiti to chaperone the Ayoka theatre of the absurd, but God and the people of Ekiti rejected them, such that they ended up in ignominy. That was in 2009.”

     

  • Fayemi’s wife urges women to mobilise for husband’s re-election

    Fayemi’s wife urges women to mobilise for husband’s re-election

    THE wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, has sued for peace as the June 21 governorship election in the state approaches.

    She spoke yesterday at the commemoration of the 2014 International Women’s Day at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital on Saturday.

    Fayemi maintained that peace was primary to the attainment of free, fair and credible election, while calling on women to be in the vanguard for the attainment of peace in the state.

    She equally urged women in the state to mount their own separate campaigns and mobilise for the electoral victory of her husband, Governor Kayode Fayemi.

    According to her, the governor has done a lot for women especially in the area of ‘empowerment and gender equality’, given the number of women occupying elective and appointive posts in the state currently.

    The governor’s wife said, “Governor Kayode Fayemi on March 8, 2007 promised to ensure adequate women empowerment if elected. Today, he has not only done that, but he has exceeded what he promised.

    “Apart from that, women hold strategic positions in the present government in Ekiti. Women are now the pride of Ekiti and a set of people who cannot be despised in any facet of governance. If there is any State where women have been empowered for positive change in Nigeria, it is Ekiti.”

    She equally urged women to participate in the ongoing collection of permanent voter cards from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that voting started with the collection of the cards

    In attendance at the Stadium were market women across the 16 local government areas and 131 towns and villages in the state.

  • Ekiti declares Friday holiday

    Ekiti declares Friday holiday

    The Ekiti State government has declared Friday work-free to enable workers collect their permanent voter cards.

    In a statement, Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation Tayo Ekundayo said holiday would enable people residents participate in the verification of the voter register slated for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

    Stressing the significance of the people to the electoral process, Ekundayo said the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration would ensure an enabling environment for them to perform their civic responsibilities.

    He urged youths who have just turned 18 to register during the registration of new voters scheduled to hold from March 12 to 19.

     

  • Ekiti, Osun polls must be credible, Fayemi tells Jega

    Ekiti, Osun polls must be credible, Fayemi tells Jega

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has said the future of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega as the nation’s number one electoral officer is tied to his handling of the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

    Fayemi spoke on Monday night during his monthly media chat, tagged: “Meet Your Governor”.

    He urged Jega to see the two elections as “serious tests”, which must not go the way of the Anambra State governorship poll.

    The governor urged politicians and parties to carry out their activities peacefully.

    He said should INEC bungle the Ekiti and Osun polls, “Jega may not be the one to conduct the 2015 general elections”.

    Fayemi said: “It is in the best interest of INEC to conduct a credible and transparent election in Ekiti in June. Jega should see the Ekiti poll as a serious test because, if he fails in Ekiti and Osun, he may not be the one to conduct the 2015 general elections.

    “INEC should ensure that the process is credible. It must demonstrate its readiness to conduct a credible election. You know that Ekiti people are very sensitive. We have seen terrible episodes of election management by INEC in the past in Ekiti State.

    “The people have seen the Ayoka saga, as well as the Ido/Osi saga. This time around, INEC must demonstrate its seriousness to conduct a credible election.”

    Fayemi debunked rumours “being peddled by the opposition” that he would victimise civil servants if reelected.

    He said by carry out some policies which most first term governors would not want to do, such as the biometric data of civil servants, which rid the system of ghost workers, he had shown that he was not a pretender.

    The governor said he would never victimise anyone and would continue to protect the people’s interests.

    He said the rumour originated from desperate politicians, who have no plan for the electorate.

    Fayemi said he has a name and record to protect, adding that his achievements in over three years can be measured by the electorate.

    He said: “The difference between an incumbent governor and a putative aspirant is that I have a record to defend. I can be measured in an objective and detached assessment.”

    On the delegation to the forthcoming National Conference, Fayemi said he was confident that it would represent the Ekiti people well.

    He advised that critical issues affecting the federation, such as fiscal federalism, should be addressed at the conference.

     

  • Fayemi to Fed Govt: straigthen defective federation at confab

    Fayemi to Fed Govt: straigthen defective federation at confab

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has urged the Federal Government to address defects in the Nigerian federation at the National Conference.

    The governor spoke in Ado-Ekiti yesterday while inaugurating the state’s delegation to the conference.

    The delegates are Chief Oladeji Fasuan, Prof. Akin Oyebode, Dr. Kunle

    Olajide, Prof. Olabisi Aina, Oba Adamo Babalola and Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Felix Femi Ajakaye.

    Fayemi urged the Federal Government to provide legal support for the confab to enable it have desirable results.

    He urged the delegates to be focused and justify the confidence reposed in them.

    Fayemi said the state government plans to organise “a mini conference” to enable the delegates interact with people at the grassroots and get their input for the national conference.

    He said: “This confab is an opportunity to restructure Nigeria in a way that will bring equity and justice to all Nigerians. It is critical to the existence of a country like Nigeria that is bedeviled by multifarious challenges.”

    On the selection of the delegates, Fayemi said: “It was not easy to come up with the eventual selection. You can imagine what I went through to arrive at these eminent indigenes among thousands of qualified people.

    “The delegates were chosen based on their comportment, attainments in life and their integrity. They are people who have contributed to the state’s development.

    “Chief Fasuan, who will be leading the delegates, played a major role in the creation of Ekiti. I have no doubt that they will do us proud.”

    Fasuan, who responded on behalf of the delegates, described their choice as a “call by history and a challenge by history”.

    The delegates pledged to represent the state well.