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Tag: Kayode Fayemi

  • Ex-Gov Oni faces suspension from APC

    Barely two weeks after losing an eligibility suit filed against Governor Kayode Fayemi at the Supreme Court, former Ekiti Governor Segun Oni has sunk deeper into trouble with party leaders.

    Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his native Ifaki Ekiti in Ido/Osi Local Government Area have summoned him defend himself against certain allegations.

    Oni, a former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the APC, had challenged Fayemi’s victory at the May 12, 2018 governorship primary in which he came second after he initially congratulated the winner.

    The ex-governor, in his suit, claimed that Fayemi was not eligible to stand as the APC flag bearer because he did not resign from office as Minister of Mines and Steel Development 30 days before the shadow election.

    Oni also averred in his suit the White Paper by a Judicial Commission of Inquiry raised by former Governor Ayo Fayose indicted Fayemi and barred him from holding public office for ten years.

    Prominent party leaders including the state APC Elders’ Forum had begged Oni to withdraw the case after the suit was filed at the Federal High Court but the former governor insisted on pursuing the case to a logical conclusion.

    But the Ifaki-born politician failed in his bid to sack Fayemi from office as his case was thrown out by the Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti; Court of Appeal sitting in Ado Ekiti and the Supreme Court in Abuja which all held that his case lacked merit.

    The APC executives in Ifaki Ward 2 have summoned Oni to appear before them within seven days to defend himself.

    Read Also: Amaechi, Akpabio reconcile for APC’s unity

    The summon was contained in a letter dated 24th April, 2019 seen by our reporter on Tuesday signed by ward chairman and secretary and addressed to Oni.

    The letter reads: “We the executive members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ifaki Ekiti hereby request your presence at the Ilero Town Hall, Ilogbe, Ifaki Ekiti to clear some allegations against your person by some members of the APC Ward II, Ifaki Ekiti.

    “Kindly indicate by informing the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward II, Ifaki Ekiti the convenient time and date to meet the executive members within the next seven (7) days of the receipt of this letter.

    “Please treat as very urgent.”

    The state APC Publicity Secretary, Chief Ade Ajayi, confirmed the disciplinary action being taken by party leaders in Ifaki against Oni.

    Ajayi, a former House of Assembly member, said the party constitution provides for disciplinary action against any erring member.

    He said: “The party is bigger than any individual and the party constitution stipulates disciplinary action against any member found to have contravened party rules and regulations.

    “The party constitution provides that any disciplinary action against any member should start from his ward where such an individual will be given an opportunity to defend himself.”

    Fayemi, had within hours of winning the primary last year, visited Oni and other fellow contestants as a gesture of reconciliation and request to work together.

    Oni was also offered the Ekiti North senatorial ticket of the party, which he ceded to fellow Ifaki indigene who represented the district between 2011 and 2015, Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi.

  • Fayemi, Oni: What next after Supreme Court verdict?

    The Supreme Court has delivered its judgement on the eligibility suit filed by former Ekiti State Governor Segun Oni against Governor Kayode Fayemi. In this peice, a commentator, Imman Nye, urges the two leaders to focus attention on reconciliation and harmony in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the state.

    Penultimate Wednesday, April 17, 2019 the Supreme Court brought to an end the long search for electoral redemption by Engr. Segun Oni, a former governor of Ekiti State in his bid to assert himself as a candidate in the last governorship election in the state.

    Following his defeat in the party primary election, the former governor had shifted in between congratulating Dr. Kayode Fayemi who emerged the clear winner and exploring legalistic loopholes to claim the top prize that he did not get during the voting.

    His resort to the courts was in the consideration of many who know him, not wholly the decision of the former governor. The belief remains that some of his associates either supported the decision to go to court or were prevailed upon by some political chieftains bent on torpedoing the Ekiti renaissance as championed by the Kayode administration.

    Oni had following his failure to get reprieve at the lower courts approached the apex court to invalidate the emergence of Dr. Kayode Fayemi as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the governorship election that took place last year.

    The resolution of the case should ordinarily provide a stimulus for total reconciliation by all tendencies within the APC. Even more, it should be the anchor for stakeholders within and outside the state to latch on to towards giving momentum to the enterprising programmes of the incumbent administration led by Dr. Fayemi.

    But whether Oni and his associates would grab that opportunity or not is another question.

    That internal party dispute over the candidature of the APC in the governorship election had to the surprise of many, including associates of Oni, continued even after the party concluded its primaries. Oni was one of about 30 aspirants who contended for the ticket of the party.

    The former governor who was deputy national chairman of the party was undoubtedly the highest political party office holder from the state in the APC just before the election. A former member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the party on whose platform he served as governor before his 2007 election was invalidated in 2010, his tentacles in the APC were even to the admission of his core supporters, largely superficial. He had crossed over to the Progressives Camp following the implosion that hit the PDP in the period leading to the 2015 General Election.

    Irrespective of the political differences he had with people both in the PDP and in the APC, Engr. Oni has at almost every time come out as a gentleman. His moral compass on financial matters is a testimony that has often enchanted political folklore.

    Gentle speaking yet assertive in his missions, it was not difficult finding common interests with other chieftains of the APC after he defected to the newly registered party in 2014 alongside other members of the New Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP.

    His pursuit of redress to the apex court may well be considered in some quarters as part of his natural gravitation towards rectitude in the political space. It is also remarkable that while the court arbitration lasted that Governor Fayemi did not begrudge him, use the instrument of the state to molest him or intimidate him as some others in his position would have done.

    Such examples of tolerance especially within political parties is commendable and the example in Ekiti State should be demonstrated for the enlightenment of political operators who do not brook nonsense or opposition from fellow stakeholders.

    However, as the courts ruled severally, Oni may have unusually erred in his summation of the propriety of the election that set Dr. Fayemi as governor.

    It is on the basis of this that the former governor and his associates appear to be limited in their options. The easiest option he may have should be to join the new administration in Ekiti towards restoring the dignity of the people of the state after four years of rapacious rule of the commonwealth by the preceding administration.

    Engr. Oni’s capacity is definitely not in doubt. It behooves him and all major stakeholders in the state to work towards the kind of political stability that would enable the incumbent administration achieve its set goals.

    Besides the now concluded case involving Oni and the governor, Dr. Fayemi is also being challenged by his main challenger in the governorship election, Prof. Olusola Eleka, the candidate of the PDP in the election.

    Fayemi emerged triumphant in the two judgments given at the tribunal and the court of appeal. Expectedly, the PDP has filed an appeal to the Supreme Court where stakeholders are calmly waiting to check off the opposition.

    The calm that engulfs the governor’s camp in respect of the claims by his opponent, Eleka is understandable. Fayemi believes he won the election and has a template to punch away whatever allegations are raised against him.

    While it is doubtful that reason be put forward to the ultimate godfather of the PDP candidate for him to step down the case, confident associates of the governor are themselves anxious for the case to be settled on its merit to the purpose of bringing enlightenment to all political stakeholders as to the clear victory of Dr. Fayemi in the election.

    With the case settled and out of the way, the nation would then again and again observe without the present distractions the unfolding renaissance in Ekiti.

     

     

     

  • Breaking: Fayemi approves eight permanent secretaries retirement

    Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has approved the immediate retirement of eight Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service.

    A statement conveying Fayemi’s approval of their retirement was signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode.

    The Governor thanked the Permanent Secretaries for their immense contributions to the development of the state and in upholding the ethics of the civil service.

    Read Also: Fayemi decries bloody herdsmen-farmers clash in Ekiti

    He prayed that God would guide them in their future endeavours even as he urged them to be prepared to serve the state in other areas whenever their services are required.

    “On behalf of the government and people of Ekiti State, I thank you for your immeasurable contributions to the development of our dear state these past years that you have served in different capacities.

    “While wishing you a happy retirement, we hope that you would heed the call to serve the state in other capacities should your services and expertise be required.” Fayemi said.

     

  • Fayemi inaugurates first Hike Ekiti Mountains

    EKITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has inaugurated the first ever Hike Ekiti Mountain, which was attended by hikers from within and outside the country.

    Fayemi, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Biodun Omoleye, said the state has the largest number of mountains, which, according to him, are best for mountain safari.

    Hike Ekiti Mountains Safari is an initiative of Discover Ekiti Project, which is committed to projecting, showcasing and promoting potentials that Ekiti has, which the world does not know about.

    The governor said he planned to encourage private investors’ participation in the growth of tourism in the state.

    “Machinery has been set in motion to help in the design and implementation of the Ekiti Tourism Development Master Plan, which would propel the actualisation of my arts, culture and tourism visions for the state.

    “This is to position Ekiti State as foreigners’ state in the country to own a Tourism Development Plan and attain leadership target in the global tourism market.”

    Fayemi stressed the unwavering determination of his administration to translate the huge arts, culture and tourism endowments in the state to opportunities and benefits.

    The state Director-General, Council for Arts and Culture, Mr. Wale Ojo-Lanre, in his address described the state as a bundle of arts, culture and tourism.

    Ojo-Lanre, who described Hike Ekiti Mountain an avenue to project Ekiti State, noted the governor’s keen interest in amplifying the ideas of the youths in promoting the state and making its economy more viable.

    Director-General, Ekiti State Bureau of Employment, Labour and Productivity Mr. Olanrewaju Ogunjobi hailed the Hike Ekiti Mountains initiative and urged Ekiti youths to explore their talents, and come up with ideas capable of developing the society, creating employment and wealth.

    “Governor Fayemi-led administration is passionate about developing and empowering the youths in the state, thereby securing a brighter and buoyant future for the state,” Ogunjobi said.

    A member of the team, Peculiar Michael, said: “Hike Ekiti Mountain Safari is envisioned to a periodic outdoor adventure that will help the project, showcase and promote Ekiti hills and mountains as a choice destination for mountaineering outdoor adventure in the world.”

    Busuyi Ashaolu, an international hiker, who has also hiked Kilimanjaro and other notable mountains in the world, lauded the state government and organiser for the project.

    He urged them not to relent in their efforts at showcasing and promoting tourism potentialities in Ekiti to the world.

    Also yesterday, Ojo-Lanre said the effort would be geared towards acquiring local festivals being celebrated in some towns and promote them to gain national and international recognition.

    This, Ojo-Lanre, said will help in promoting the state’s cultural heritage and boost revenue generation.

    He spoke in Ado Ekiti yesterday when Ogun Onire Carnival Forum, a committee set up by Ire Ekiti for the 2019 edition of the Ogunnire Festival slated for August visited him at his office to unveil its agenda for this year’s celebration.

     

     

     

  • Exemplify selflessness, tolerance, Fayemi charges Nigerians

    The Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has urged Nigerians to display virtues of love, tolerance and sacrifice in their daily activities.

    These, Dr. Fayemi said, are the hallmark of Easter celebration and catalyst for rapid socio-economic growth and development.

    The governor, in his Easter message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, said Jesus exemplified the virtues of love, selflessness and tolerance during his earthy ministry.

    While congratulating Christians for the successful completion of the Lenten season, a period of 40 days of fasting and prayer which culminated in the Easter celebration, Fayemi said the Easter period offers Christians and the entire people of Ekiti State another opportunity for sober reflection, while celebrating with one another the joy of the season.

    “Our society requires more expression of love and peaceful lifestyle in order to improve the quality of life of the people”, Fayemi said.

  • APC to Oni: embrace Fayemi’s olive branch for greater Ekiti

    THE Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to former Governor Segun Oni to accept the verdict of the Supreme Court in the best interest of the state.

    The party said Ekiti State’s growth would be accelerated if the party members could sheathe swords and work assiduously in tandem with the four cardinal points of the governor.

    In a statement in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, the APC Chairman, Paul Omotoso, said both Fayemi and Oni are eminent members of the party and Ekiti citizens, who should be united in spirits for a prosperous Ekiti.

    Omotosho said the party perceived the judgment as no victor, no vanquished, just like Governor Fayemi felt about it.

    The party, he said, must be focused to be able to deliver on its promises to Ekiti populace.

    The apex court on Wednesday dismissed the eligibility case filed by Oni against Fayemi, where he prayed the court to nullify the governor’s participation in the Ekiti APC governorship primary.

    Oni, in the suit, said he won the May 26, 2018 primary since Fayemi was not qualified on the basis of his alleged refusal to resign 30 days before primary as stipulated by the party’s constitution.

    Omotoso hailed the resilience and dogged determination of some members of the party to think of a legitimate way of challenging a primary, rather than resorting to self-defence.

    The party chairman added that the court remains the best democratic channel to challenge the outcome of any election, saying the party won’t sanction Oni and his supporters for exhausting legal mechanism in fighting their course.

    He said: “The judgment by the highest court in the land affirming and authenticating the victory of Dr. Fayemi at the primary was a welcome development.

    “At this point, I want to remind all members of APC in Ekiti State that this victory belongs to us all. We should now put this behind us and join hands with the administration of Dr. Fayemi to move the state forward.”

  • Ex-Governor Oni loses bid to sack Fayemi at Supreme Court

    IT was a third consecutive loss for ex-Governor Segun Oni in his bid to sack Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi as the Supreme Court yesterday dismissed the appeal he filed.

    The appeal was against an earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the decision of a Federal High Court, dismissing Oni’s suit challenging Fayemi’s eligibility to contest the last governorship election on June 14, 2018.

    The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment of a five-man panel, held yesterday that the appeal by Oni was statute barred and therefore, incompetent.

    Justice Amiru Sanusi, in the lead judgment, held that the case, being a pre-election one, was not commenced at the trial court, within the time provided under Section 285 of the Constitution.

    Justice Sanusi said the case was not commenced in accordance with the provision of Section 285 of the Constitution, requiring all pre-election cases to be initiated within 14 days of the occurrence of the cause of action.

    He noted that from the record before the court, Oni filed his suit at the trial court – the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti – 42 days after the cause of action arose.

    Read also: I have no grudge against Segun Oni – Fayemi

    Justice Sanusi said the development robbed the court of the jurisdiction to hear the appeal, while he said the case had become incompetent and an academic exercise.

    Another member of the panel, Justice John Okoro, faulted the attitude exhibited by the appellant and advised politicians to always act decently.

    Justice Okoro wondered why Oni, who had conceded defeat, on emerging second in the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made a sudden u-turn and chose to challenge the outcome of the primary in court.

    The judge, who noted that, even among the mafias, there are rules, came down hard on Nigerian politicians, who he observed, act without honour.

    Oni had, upon emerging second behind Fayemi in the primary held by the APC to select its candidate for last governorship election in Ekiti State, sued, challenging Fayemi’s eligibility to contest the election.

    He prayed the court to declare that Fayemi was not eligible to contest the election on the grounds that he was not validly nominated, having allegedly failed to resign his position as Minister of Mines and Steel Development 30 days before the primary election.

  • Fayemi decries bloody herdsmen-farmers clash in Ekiti

    Gov. Kayode Fayemi on Wednesday condemned the death of two persons which followed alleged invasion of farmlands by some suspected Fulani herdsmen in Iyemero Ekiti community, in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti.

    The  governor, represented by the new State Commissioner for Information, Mr Muyiwa Olumilua, gave the condemnation during a condolence visit to the town.

    The governor said his government would do everything within its powers to prevent similar occurence in furure.

    He also assured that every necessary step would be taken to nab the killers and bring them to justice.

    Fayemi said government would pay the hospital bills of the victims.

    ” We sympathise with you, because lives of Ekiti people are precious to us in this government

    Read also: I have no grudge against Segun Oni – Fayemi

    “As part of the ways to arrest this situation, the governor has begun the construction of a police post in Iyemero.

    “We are assuring you that something like this won’t happen again,”  the governor said.

    “The governor knows that there is loss of lives and that is why we are here  to commiserate with the town.”

    “But in spite of this provocative attack, they should remain calm and be law abiding, particularly the farmers

    ” What we are told is that it was an armed robbery issue, according to findings and reports but whatever dimension or form,  it must have emerged , we are prepared to tackle it,” he assured.(NAN)

    This is coming just as the traditional ruler of the town, Olu of Iyemero, Oba Ebenezer Ogungbemi, frowned at an alleged twist in the police report  of the incidence described as mere armed robbery where no one died.

    The monarch insisted that two of his subjects actually died in the attack allegedly carried out by the suspected herders, in  a farmstead under the town .

    The monarch dismissed the claim by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Asuquo Amba, earlier in the day, that preliminary reports indicated that what hapened was robbery.

    Some suspected  herders on Monday allegedly invaded a farmstead called Eda, in Iyemero Ekiti , and shot a seven-year-old boy during a raid and a couple, after which the husband later died in the hospital.

    But the town’s monarch insisted that two persons were killed while receiving the delegation sent by the governor to commiserate with the town.

    Oba Ogungbemi said the victims told him that herders who had been having a running battle with the farmers perpetrated the dastardly act.

    “They invaded the community at midnight and shot dead a seven-year-old boy.

    ” They also shot  a couple in the other house and the husband has died after they were rushed to the Ikole general hospital and the bullets could not be extracted from his body early enough.

    “They have removed the bullets from  the body of the wife and she has been referred  to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti for treatment.

    ” What we know is that, they escaped through the Ikole-Itapaji-Iyemero-Eruku route to Kwara after their nefarious act, it is a fact that we have a porous border.

    ” My people should be on alert and we are already mobilising the local hunters to work with the security agencies to tame the perpetrators,”  the traditional ruler said.

    Oba  Ogungbemi restated his calls for the establishment of a police station in the town to curb such activities.

    “The correct information now is that , two people had died. People can’t go to their camp, because they are afraid .

    ” About  60 of them have been displaced and they are  here in my palace till today(Wednesday) before they left,” he said.
    (NAN)

  • I have no grudge against Segun Oni – Fayemi

    Ekiti State Gov. Kayode Fayemi says he has no grudge against his predecessor, Chief Segun Oni, for challenging his election victory in court.

    Fayemi spoke in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday while reacting to his victory at the Supreme Court in the eligibility suit filed by Oni.

    The governor, who bared his mind after swearing-in the new Head of Service, Mr. Ayodele Ajayi, said what bothered him, however, was the distractions.

    He said the Supreme Court judgment would now enable the state to move forward and end all contentions about his emergence.

    The governor also said the apex court judgment showed that he properly resigned in line with the constitutional provision, contrary to Oni’s claim.

    The governor further said the primaries of the party which produced him as All Progressives Congress (APC)  governorship candidate in the state in 2018 was free, fair and devoid of manipulations.

    “Ekiti must move forward. Enough of these distractions. Enough of these recriminations over matters that ought not to go to court.

    ” It is very clear that I resigned in accordance with the constitution of the land and that the shenanigans that culminated in the White Paper that said Fayemi should not serve in public office have been dealt with in the appropriate law courts as the thrash that it was at the time.

    Read Also: Fayemi’s dream team comes on board

    “It also shows clearly that the primaries that took place in Ekiti for anyone who is objective enough was the cleanest, the fairest and most credible primaries that had ever taken place in the history of electioneering in Nigeria.

    “Now that the highest court in the land has pronounced definitely on it, I hope he (Oni) would see it as a cue to play a more active role in the party.

    “Oni, to the best of my knowledge, remains a member of the APC. I don’t believe he has removed himself from the party.

    “But I think this would not lead to another round of recriminations and attacks,” he said.

    The governor, while swearing-in the new Head of Service, had urged him to be upright and provide the right leadership for the civil service.

    “We will not tolerate any breach of the accord we have signed with Ekiti people. Do your best, justify the confidence reposed in you.

    “Though people will be congratulating you, I commiserate with you because so much is expected of you, and you cannot afford to disappoint us,” Fayemi said.

    In his response, Ajayi pledged to provide strong leadership for the civil service in the state.

    NAN

     

  • Again, Oni loses bid to sack Fayemi

    It was a third consecutive loss for ex-Governor Segun Oni in his bid to sack Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State as the Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the appeal he filed.

    The appeal was against an earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the decision of a Federal High Court, dismissing Oni’s suit challenging Fayemi’s eligibility to contest the last governorship election held in the state on June 14, 2018.

    The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment of a five-man panel, held on Wednesday, that the appeal by Oni was statute barred and therefore, incompetent.

    Justice Amiru Sanusi, in the lead judgment, held that the case, being a pre-election one, was not commenced at the trial court, within the time provided under Section 285 of the Constitution.

    Justice Sanusi said the case was not commenced in accordance with the provision of Section 285 of the Constitution, requiring all pre-election cases to be initiated within 14 days of the occurrence of the cause of action.

    He noted that from the record before the court Oni filed his suit at the trial court – the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti, 42 days after the cause of action arose.

    Justice Sanusi said the development robbed the court of the jurisdiction to hear the appeal, while he said was incompetent and had become an academic exercise.

    Another member of the panel, Justice John Okoro faulted the attitude exhibited by the appellant and advised politicians to always act decently.

    Justice Okoro wondered why Oni, who had conceded defeat, on emerging second in the governorship primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made a sudden u-turn and chose to challenge the outcome of the primary in court.

    Read Also: Fayemi appoints new Head of Service

    The judge, who noted that, even among the mafias, there are rules, came down hard on Nigerian politicians, who he observed, act without honour.

    Oni had, upon emerging second behind Fayemi in the primary held by the APC to select its candidate for last governorship election in Ekiti State, sued, challenging Fayemi’s eligibility to contest the election.

    He prayed the court to declare that Fayemi was not eligible to contest the election on the grounds that he was not validly nominated, having allegedly failed to resign his position as Minister of Mines and Steel Development 30 days before the primary election.

    Oni also asked the court to declare Fayemi ineligible for the election given that he was indicted by the Justice Silas Oyewole-led commission of inquiry set up by former Governor Ayo Fayose to investigate his first tenure between 2010 and 2014.

    He equally sought the withdrawal of the certificate of return issued to Fayemi, upon winning the election, and to declare him (Oni) as the duly nominated APC candidate and duly elected governor.

    The case, which was initially filed before the Federal High Court, Abuja, was transferred by Justice Babatunde Quadri to the court’s division in Ado-Ekiti, on grounds of jurisdiction.

    In a judgment on December 10, 2018, Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti, dismissed Oni’s case for lacking in merit.

    Oni suffered a similar fate at the Court of Appeal, when the appellate court, in a judgment on February 12, 2019 dismissed his appeal for being unmeritorious.

    The Court of Appeal, among others, said Fayemi’s failure to resign as the then Minister of Solid Minerals to contest the May 12, 2018 governorship primary where he emerged as the candidate of APC was not enough to disqualify him.

    The court also held that Fayemi’s indictment by Justice Silas Oyewole led judicial panel of inquiry was not enough to bar him from participating in the election.

    The Court of Appeal held that it was only a conviction by a competent court of law that could bar an aspirant from a primary or general election and not mere indictment by a panel.

    It was also noted that the said indictment and the white paper issued by the state government had been set aside by a judgment by Justice Musa Othman of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Bwari, Abuja.