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Tag: Kayode Fayemi

  • Ambode, Obasa, Fasanmi, others hail Tinubu at 67

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, his Ekiti State counterpart, Kayode Fayemi, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, the National Leader of Egbe Afenifere, Pa Ayo Fasanmi, and many others yesterday congratulated ex-Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his birthday.

    Tinubu turns 67 today.

    Ambode saluted the role played by the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, saying Nigeria was already on threshold of greatness with the duo in the next level government.

    Ambode, who spoke at the 11th Bola Tinubu Colloquium held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja as part of activities marking the 67th birthday of Tinubu, said it was gratifying to note that the next level promised by the APC government was already unfolding, adding that the next four years would engender massive development and service to the people.

    He said: “We are all expectant and we can feel the next level unfolding. Our country is on the threshold of greatness because for the first time since our independence, we would have successive administrations of a progressive and visionary government; a government of integrity, a government whose sole interest is the well-being of Nigeria and Nigerians.

    “We are lucky to be here in this exciting time; in a time when our country will be led by selfless individuals who have the progress and prosperity of our people as their major objective and we are here today because Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been a very key part of this story.

    “We are here not only to celebrate him (Tinubu) but to celebrate the incoming dawn in Nigeria; we are here to celebrate the next level in Nigeria where Nigerians will be served and given what is due to them.”

    The governor, who attended the colloquium with his wife, Bolanle, hailed Tinubu for his political dexterity, doggedness, undoubted courage and political acumen, saying the attributes of the national leader played key part in the electoral victory of APC at the Federal, National Assembly, Governorship and State Assembly elections.

    While describing the theme of the colloquium: “Next Level: Work For People,” as perfectly conceived and apt for the moment, Governor Ambode said it was instructive that it was coming at a time when Nigerians were eagerly looking forward to revolutionary transformation in key sectors and sections of the country.

    “This colloquium is coming at a time when the APC has spread its political tentacles even further in the country and this colloquium is coming at a time when Nigerians are eagerly looking forward to the next level in progressive politics, economic growth, social welfare and increased national security,” the governor said.

    Fayemi, in a tribute to Tinubu, described him as the leading light of progressive politics in the country, a fact which he said critics of the APC leader usually acknowledge.

    He recalled his working relationship with the former NADECO chieftain and said Tinubu remained a dependable, reliable and passionate leader, whose record of grooming successful disciples is unmatchable.

    Read also: Tinubu: Why Fed Govt can’t increase VAT now

    Fayemi said: “I celebrate you today as always because you have been a reliable, dependable and passionate leader. The hallmark of a great leader is not measured in castles and materials, but in his ability to groom and lead successful disciples.

    “Like a colossus in the jungle of life, your ability to identify, nurture and engage talents is unequalled. Your life has been a testimony of human capital development in an unrelenting struggle for a better life. Even your political detractors secretly admire your courage, vibrancy, intelligence, ebullience, kind-heartedness, warmth and sagacity.

    “I will forever cherish the memory of our struggles for the enthronement and sustenance of democracy and good governance in Nigeria. Your infectious smile, as we have witnessed together on a number of occasions, is disarming. You have, over the years, succeeded in constantly reinventing yourself as a leading light of progressive politics.

    “You mean different things to different people. To some, you are a patriotic politician, while to others, you are a political strategist who loves challenging the powers-that-be as a result of your passion and desire to see that your people are not deprived of their rights at any time.

    “You might not be the darling of all, but you have carved a niche for yourself in the political history of Nigeria. May providence reward your labour of love with long life in good health, unspeakable joy and everlasting bliss.

    “On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I wish you the best of what your new year can offer. Above all, I wish you many more useful and productive years,” he added.

    Obasa described Tinubu as the greatest politician of the present generation. The speaker, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Musbau Rasak, yesterday said:  “Asiwaju is the greatest politician of this generation. His leadership qualities and ability to discover and nurture talents for the greater good of the public is uncommon and unrivaled among his peers.

    “But for the special discovery talent of Asiwaju, great administrators like the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; former Lagos Governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN; Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Messrs Wale Edun, Yemi Cardozo and Dele Alake among others would not have had the opportunity to show Nigerians and the world at large, the stuff they are made of.”

    Obasa also praised the pioneering efforts of Asiwaju Tinubu for the creation of modern Lagos which has become the role model for others to emulate in the country.

    “He’s the architect of modern Lagos, laying the solid foundation on which successful governments continue to build on making the state the best among its peers in the country and the continent,” he said.

    The Lagos Assembly Speaker stated further that the APC National Leader deserves all the accolades, best wishes and praises showered on him because he has always stand for good governance anchored equity and fairness nurtured by justice and strict adherence to the Rule of Law.

    “On behalf of my colleagues at the Lagos State House of Assembly, I rejoice with our Leader, the great Jagaban of Africa on this glorious birthday celebration. I wish you many happy returns sir,” Obasa said.

    Fasanmi, in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Adebayo Temitope, said: “No matter what you may say about Bola either you like him or not, there is no way you can discuss the democracy that is being enjoyed by many people today without mention Bola.”

    He added: “During the NADCO era, he played a vital role which is still fresh in everybody memory. Asiwaju Bola has fought a good fight for the sustenance of democracy and he has won. If not because of Asiwaju’s struggle, some have determined to turn this country to their private business. Bola, what you are celebrating is the reality of unprecedented, steady and consistent progress in the entire nation, even the foundation which you laid as the former governor of Lagos State during the AD still continues. As you are celebrating your birthday Bola, I can say you have come, you have seen and by the grace of God you shall conquer. Wishing you a many more good years. I pray you shall celebrate 93 like me.”

    Osun APC also congratulated Tinubu. The party said: “What makes this moment worthy of celebration is the quality of the series of achievements that the Jagaban of Borgu has made in less than four decades, from a local hero to a huge national figure.”

    In a message of goodwill signed by the chairman of the ruling party, Prince Gboyega Famodun, the APC added: “One of Asiwaju Tinubu’s greatest achievements is his contribution to the political engineering that brought the APC into being and led it to a historic victory in 2015.

    “And as if that was not historic enough, the Asiwaju led the new party to a second term victory in the just concluded elections.

    “These events were first of its kind in the history of Nigerian politics, and one that will occupy a special attention of historians,” the party said.

    He praised Tinubu for what he described as the  “unique generosity of the APC leader”, which has changed the lives of “hundreds of thousands of people”.

    He went on: “These people (that spread across party lines and nationalities) will never forget Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a hurry.

    “They will be amongst the millions of Nigerians who will be praying today to Allah that He grants the APC leader long life and prosperity for the good of Nigeria.”

    A socio-political group, Akwa Ibom Visionaries’ Choice for a Better Tomorrow Initiative (AKV), has described former Lagos State governor as ‘an apostle of one Nigeria’.

    The group said Tinubu has salvaged the country’s democracy through his brand of politics. Its National President, Emmanuel Effiong, said: ”Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is an Apostle of one Nigeria and a dogged fighter for the sustenance of unity and democracy in Nigeria.”

    Effiong said the group has been closely following the political contributions of the APC leader, adding that the posterity will not forgive the present crop Nigerians if they failed to identify with the lofty ideals and inputs of the former Lagos state governor to the country.

    Effiong eulogised Tinubu for his outstanding achievements, noting that the APC leader is an ”American-trained accountant of no mean repute, a party planter for the sustenance of Democracy and a political activist who struggled for the emancipation of Nigerians”.

    He urged all Akwa Ibom people to identify with and celebrate Tinubu as a stateman on the occasion of his birthday anniversary.

  • Updated: Appeal Court affirms Gov. Kayode Fayemi’s election

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the victory of Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last governorship election held in Ekiti State.

    A three-man panel of the court, in unanimous judgment on Thursday evening, dismissed the appeal by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the election. Kolapo Olusola, for lacking in merit.

    The court upheld the January 28, 2019 judgment of the Ekiti State Election Tribunal, which sat in Abuja owing to problem of insecurity in Ekiti State.

    The tribunal had, in its judgment, upheld Fayemi’s victory and dismissed the petition by PDP and Olusola on the grounds that they failed to prove their allegations, among which was that the election was marred by irregularities.

    Read Also: Osun gov, Oyetola asks Appeal Court to reverse tribunal’s decision

    Justice Stephen Adah, who read the lead judgment, resolved the seven issues, identified for determination, in favour of the respondents – Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC and Fayemi.

    Justice Adah, at the commencement of proceedings, at around 7.05pm, noted that the day was fast spent and elected to read a summary of the lead judgment.

    After announcing that the seven issues were resolved against the appellants, Justice Adah proceeded to uphold the earlier judgment of the tribunal.

    He subsequently dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit.

    Other members of the panel: Justices Tinuade Akomolafe Wilson and Emmanuel Agim agreed with the lead judgment.

    The proceedings lasted less than 30 minutes.;

     

     

  • Tinubu, leading light of progressive politics-Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has described National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a leading light of progressive politics, a fact which his critics usually acknowledge.

    Fayemi, in a personal tribute on the 67th birthday of the former Lagos governor, stated his legacies in the realm of politics and human development remain a reference point.

    He said Tinubu stands tall among the progeny of progressive politics.

    The governor, who recalled his working relationship with the former NADECO chieftain, said Tinubu remains a dependable, reliable and passionate leader, whose record of grooming successful disciples is unmatchable.

    A statement by Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode to the governor said Asiwaju Tinubu remains one of the country’s most resourceful politicians.

    He added that his exemplary leadership style have brought unparralled development and growth to the nation.

    “I celebrate you today as always because you have been a reliable, dependable and passionate leader.

    ‘’The hallmark of a great leader is not measured in castles and materials, but in his ability to groom and lead successful disciples.

    “Like a colossus in the jungle of life, your ability to identify, nurture and engage talents is unequalled.

    “Your life has been a testimony of human capital development in an unrelenting struggle for a better life.

    ‘’Even your political detractors secretly admire your courage, vibrancy, intelligence, ebullience, kind-heartedness, warmth and sagacity.

    READ ALSO: Afenifere hails Fayemi over role in general elections

    “I will forever cherish the memory of our struggles for the enthronement and sustenance of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

    ‘’Your infectious smile, as we have witnessed together on a number of occasions, is disarming.

    ‘’You have, over the years, succeeded in constantly reinventing yourself as a leading light of progressive politics.

    “You mean different things to different people. To some, you are a patriotic politician, while to others you are a political strategist who loves challenging the powers-that-be as a result of your passion and desire to see that your people are not deprived of their rights at any time.”

    He added: “You might not be the darling of all, but you have carved a niche for yourself in the political history of Nigeria.

    “May providence reward your labour of love with long life in good health, unspeakable joy and everlasting bliss.

    “On behalf of the government and good people of Ekiti State, I wish you the best of what your new year can offer. Above all, I wish you many more useful and productive years.”

  • Rainstorm leaves many homeless in Ekiti

    Ekiti Residents have been counting their losses following a heavy rainstorm. The rain has deserted many residents who have been struggling to find friends and families to accommodate them, reports RASAQ IBRAHIM

    Several houses and properties worth millions of Naira have been destroyed following a heavy rainstorm in communities in Ekiti State.

    The torrential rain, which began around 9pm Tuesday last week and lasted for about two hours wrecked uncontrollable havoc.

    The communities affected include Ado-Ekiti, the State capital, Afao, Igbemo, Iludun, Isan-Ekiti and Are-Ekiti among others.

    Roofing sheets, ceiling, electric poles and kiosk were torn apart.

    Many of the communities are into total blackout as the electric poles supplying electricity to the affected areas were badly destroyed.

    No fewer than 500 houses were specifically blown off with 1000 victims affected with no report of causality.

    Among the properties destroyed was the palace of Alare of Are-Ekiti, the Gifted Academy in Afao, business outlets among others.

    Some of the affected residents are being accommodated by friends and family members.

    Speaking with The Nation, the Alare of Are-Ekiti, Oba Boluade Adebiyi, lamented that his palace and many other buildings were seriously affected by the heavy rainstorm.

    “As you can see, part of the palace roof has been blown off, but that is not my immediate problem now. My concern now is how to take care of my people that have become homeless by this natural disaster,” he said.

    Oba Adebiyi, who said he has contacted relevant state and federal authorities to come to the aid of the community, saying the degree of damage done was beyond their individual capabilities.

    “Immediately after the rainstorm, I sent some of my chiefs to inform the state government, I also contacted the officials of the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA) and I am with their quick response.”

    Oba Adebiyi, who explained that the victims are yet to get relief materials, expressed the hope that both the Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency, and its Federal counterpart that jointly visited the community will do something very soon.

    He, however, appealed to the public spirited indigenes of the State both home and abroad to come to their rescue at this critical time.

    One of the victims, Mr. Kayode Anisulowo whose house was affected, described the incident as massive, saying all what he had painstakingly laboured for, for many years have gone down the drain.

    “My properties have been blown off with water entering into my room. Everything is soaked and destroyed. This is a serious thing. I don’t know what to do because I am now hopeless and homeless,” he said.

    Another victim, an octogenarian and widow, Madam Jibiye Adeleye, lamented that she has been forced to relocate to her father’s house pending the time her children can repair their father’s house.

    Also speaking with a victim, Ojo Pelumi who described the incident as unexpected and unfortunate regretted that the excitement that characterised the rain was cut-short by the rainstorm.

    He said the incident was unexpected and called on the government to assist them in fixing the affected buildings.

    One of the people whose houses were destroyed by the Mr. Toyin Olaiya thanked the state government for the swift response and urged the government to provide relief materials for them so that they could have houses to accommodate them.

    A 90-year old woman whose house was also affected at Ekute area, Madam Florence Arogundade came out with the aid of her walking stick and asked the governor not to relent in prioritising the welfare of the masses.

    Madam Arogundade thanked Fayemi for the quick response and prayed for the success of his government.

    The General Manager of Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Mr. Olajide Borode, however, described the incident as pathetic, saying 500 houses and 1000 very were seriously affected.

    Borode disclosed that the natural disaster spread across the State with valuable properties was shattered.

    According to him, Ado Ekiti and some other communities like Afao and Igbemo were equally affected. He added that Iludun, Isan-Ekiti, Eyio, Ijero were also hit by the heavy rainstorm.

    “We and NEMA have jointly visited some of the affected areas for on-the-spot assessment of the damages. More than 30 houses were destroyed in Isan and Iludun.

    “Roofs of 40 houses were blown off in Afao. More than 45 houses were affected in Are-Ekiti. Among the properties destroyed in Afao was the newly completed Gifted Academic.”

    “More 30 houses were also destroyed in each Iludun and Isan-Ekiti.”

    Speaking shortly after inspecting the properties which spread across major parts of Ado Ekiti, the State government delegation led by the Secretary to the State Government,. Hon Biodun Oyebanji , and the Chief of Staff to the governor,  Biodun Omoleye, described the damage as “high and alarming” as properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed by the storm.

    Oyebanji said the state government would work in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to quickly assuage the sufferings of the victims many of whose house roofs were blown off by the heavy rainstorm.

    Read also: ‘Ekiti ’II implement laws to protect women against violence’

    He urged the people to cultivate the habit of tree planting which can help in protecting the environment; noting that the trees within Ado Community High School prevented the rainstorm from wrecking havocs on the school.

    “Governor Kayode Fayemi commiserated with victims of the rainstorm, which damaged some buildings in Ado-Ekiti and some parts of the state.

    He pledged the support of the state government towards mitigating their losses.

    Fayemi directed the SEMA in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to come up with the detailed record of the affected areas and individuals for necessary support.

    The governor also appealed to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to  restore power to the areas.

  • ‘Ekiti ’II implement laws to protect women against violence’

    Ekiti State governor’s wife Erelu Bisi Fayemi has reiterated government’s commitment to implementing laws targeted at protecting women’s from gender-based violence.

    Mrs. Fayemi said the inglorious days when women were being maltreated were over, saying the laws protecting their rights were being implemented by her husband, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

    She said Ekiti has been recognised as a state that has the political will to safeguard the rights of the women with laws enacted by government to give them leverage in the society.

    She added that Fayemi has been complying with the 1993 Beijing declaration to inject the culture of gender equality into the state’s body polity through political appointments.

    Mrs. Fayemi, who spoke in Ado-Ekiti yesterday during an event commemorating the 2019 International Women’s Day, said the event ought to have been celebrated on March 8, but was postponed for coinciding with the governorship and House of Assembly elections.

    She said the government was more committed to the implementation of the gender-based violence provision law, equal opportunities law, child right law and other safety policies that protect the rights of the women.

    She advised women not to feel intimidated or shy to cry out while in distress, saying laws are there to fight for them when oppressed.

    Read also: Ndume joins race for Senate President

    “You have a governor in Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who is a feminist and who respects the rights of the women. He believed in you and he is ready to fight for you.

    “How can a girl-child be gang-raped by a group of boys or a woman be beaten up or victimised by seizing her property after losing her husband? All these can’t be tolerated under this government.

    “We also salute women for the role they played during the last election. This accounted for why the ruling party performed well in Ekiti.

    “If you look at the results of the last elections, four women were elected into the House of Assembly and one for the House of Representatives.”

  • Afenifere hails Fayemi for naming school after Fasanmi

    Ekiti State chapter of the Yoruba socio-political and cultural organisation, Egbe Afenifere Ilosiwaju Yoruba Afenifere, has lauded the decision of the Governor Kayode Fayemi-led administration honouring its national leader, Senator Ayo Fasanmi.

    Fayemi on Sunday named four newly established secondary schools in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, after four prominent Ekiti citizens, among which is the Second Republic Senator.

    The four secondary schools, which are billed to open for academic work by September, were established to cater for the dire need of the growing population of students in Ado-Ekiti.

    A statement issued by the Afenifere chapter chairman, Elder Yemi Alade and publicity secretary Chief Biodun Akin Fasae said Fayemi deserves commendation from the good people of Ekiti at home and in the diaspora for immortalising their shinning stars while still alive.

    Read also: Literary icon Gabriel Okara dies at 97

    The statement also lauded the honour bestowed on others in the group.

    According to the organisation, Chief Deji Fasuan, Prof. Stephen Banji Akintoye and Prof. David Olatunbosun Oke are the shining lights of Ekiti State, who deserve such recognition while they are alive.

    “Governor Fayemi, in the view of Afenifere, has justified his deep-knowledge of the polity and understanding of the feelings of the people of Ekiti, who believe that honour done to their legend is an honour done to them.

    “Since the coming of Fayemi, Ekiti has left the era of the Babel and what we can now see is progress and peace,” it said.

    The group, however, appealed to the people to support the governor as he raises the bar of good governance for sustainable growth.

     

  • Crush, bury PDP completely in Ekiti, Fayemi charges APC members

    Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi on Friday called on members of the Presidential Campaign Organisation, Ekiti State Chapter and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure the dominance of the party ahead of 2022 gubernatorial election.

     
    Dr. Fayemi said the next task is to ensure that the influence of the rival People Democratic Party (PDP) was reduced to the barest minimum.
    The governor further disclosed  that unity of purpose and togetherness that earned the party victory during the just concluded general elections are sustained ahead of the 2022 governorship election in the state.

    A successful outing for the APC in the 2022 governorship election in the state, according to Governor Fayemi would confirm the party’s dominance in Ekiti politics as well as ensure continuation of good governance that would put the state firmly on the path of  irreversible development.

    He stated this in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, during a meeting to appreciate members of the Ekiti State Council of the PMB/PYO Presidential Campaign Organisation and leaders of the party, for the success of the Presidental, National and State Assemblies elections in the state.

    Fayemi who lauded the members of the campaign organisation for their demonstrated dedication and commitment to the success of the party, said the credit for the peaceful conduct of the election and timely collation recorded in Ekiti State should go to them.

    He said the unity of purpose demonstrated by both the council and the party leaders during the elections made the party record enviable result.

    The Governor who also conveyed the appreciation of President Buhari to the members, later presented letters of appreciation to the council members.

    He said: “When we inaugurated the Council, I was very clear the job the council would do in conjunction with the party leadership would produce a report that everyone would be proud of and that is exactly what the
    council has done as the results have shown.

    “I remember I was with Mr President a couple of days ago, to discuss some challenges facing our state, and as soon as he came into the meeting, the very first thing he said was Mr 100 percent.

    Read Also: Umahi: I am not leaving PDP

    “That credit really goes to the work that we all did and I think it leads to what happen when we have unity of purpose. We all started on this journey from different points, but ultimately, we came together, we decided
    that we need to give the election all the attention it deserves and everybody pulled in their weight to ensure that we succeeded.

    “However, the outcome of the election tell us some things, that we cannot be complacent about this issue, we still have to work to completely crush the PDP in all our local government areas and state to a point where they are a minute fold rather that a sizeable number that can threaten the consolidation of our gains in the course of next couples of election.

    “The only way to guarantee this effort you have all put in this election is to ensure that the 2022 governorship election in Ekiti goes to APC.

    That’s the message we have to take from this exercise, we would put in every effort to ensure that this happen.”

    Fayemi explained that after the heat of election, there is now need to focus more on governance adding that he would soon appoint more people into positions for ease of governance as well as make them more useful for the
    services of the state.

    “By now, we would have a respite to now focus on governance which is really the reason why our people have put us in charge of the state. Yes, we started that process and we have to invigorate it now, we have to energize by putting more people in positions so that they can be of service to our party and the state.

    “As much as our resources can carry us, we must put our people first in the ‘Project Ekiti’ via empowerment programme or appointments. Not everybody can get appointments, but everybody can have access to feeling that they are also major contributors to the party’s success.”

    Speaking earlier, the Director General of the Campaign Organization, Oluomo Segun Osikolu appreciated Governor Fayemi for giving them opportunity to
    serve in that capacity.

    Osinkolu said party’s successful outing at the polls was as a result of the commitment and hardwork of members of the council as well as party leadership.

    He, however, commended members of the council for their cooperation in the prosecuting the entrusted project without any flaws.

  • ‘Join hands with Fayemi to develop Ekiti’

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Prince Adesola Gold, has charged the newly elected members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly to partner Governor Kayode Fayemi for good governance.

    Adesola, a House of Representatives aspirant in the last APC’ primaries, said harmonious relationship between the executives and legislature would guarantee speedy and quantum socio-economic development.

    He further urged them to refrain from any crisis that could derail governance in the state, saying the current administration was aptly determined to bring dividends of democracy to the people.

    In the House of Assembly election conducted on March 9, the APC won 25 of the 26 seats while that of Ekiti East constituency II, was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    A new assembly will be inaugurated by Governor Fayemi on June 6, the day the tenure of the present one will elapse.

    Speaking in Osun Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of the state, Gold assured that with the calibre of governor like Fayemi, that the lawmakers can’t be reduced to mere rubber stamps in the discharge of their duties.

    He added that the alleged suppression which characterized the assembly under former governor Ayodele Fayose won’t dog the assembly that will be constituted in June.

    “Under the immediate past government, lawmakers voices were subjugated, nobody dares looked the governor in the eyes.

    “Those lawmakers who tried to assert themselves were suspended indefinitely and some were expelled from the party despite being members of the PDP.

    Read Also: Ekiti elders greet Fayemi at 54

    “But with the kind of refined governor like Fayemi that we have, I am sure that there would be mutual respect and there will be partnership that will make Ekiti great in all spheres.

    “I want to also charge the lawmakers to come with the determined mindsets to serve Ekiti and not to engage in any battle with the executive”, he said.

    Speaking about the patterns of voting, which predominantly favoured APC; Gold added that the electorate in Ekiti are now better informed about how to make the right choices for good governance.

    “Our people decided to vote for real governance and moved away from stomach infrastructure at the detriment of Infrastructural development.

    “The four Local Governments of Efon, Ikere, Emure and Ado-Ekiti, won by PDP in July 14 Governorship Election were not left behind, they all moved with the moving train of the  Next Level.

    “In less  than six months in office, governor Fayemi has opened our eyes to how a globally recognised government should be and I applaud our people for believing in APC and took the right choices”.

    He, however, urged the elected officials to work hard and carry their constituents along , in order not to betray the confidence reposed in them by the electorate.

     

  • Buhari, seven APC Governors meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday met behind closed doors with six governors from the north and the Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The meeting held shortly after the President returned to Abuja after spending five days in Daura, Katsina State, where he voted in the governorship and state house of assembly elections.

    The governors are members of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The northern governors at the meeting included Yahaya Bello of Kogi state, Nasir el-Rufai, of Kaduna state, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi state, Abdulaziz Yari, Zamfara state, Abubakar Badaru, Jigawa state, and Kassim Shetima of Borno state.

    The meeting was still in progress at the time of filing this report.

     

  • Four women win Ekiti Assembly seats in APC clean sweep

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared all the 26 House of Assembly seats in Ekiti State.

    In the House of Assembly election conducted on Saturday, APC candidates were declared winners in all the 26 constituencies by the returning officers across the state.

    Four women were among the victorious APC candidates who defeated the flag bearers of other parties including the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which failed to win a single seat.

    The four women are Mrs. Kemi Famuagun-Balogun (Ado 1), Princess Teju Okuyiga (Gbonyin), Mrs. Bunmi Adelugba (Emure) and Mrs. Yemisi Ayokunle (Ekiti Southwest 1).

    Former Majority Leader, Mr. Funminiyi Afuye, who won the Ikere Constituency 1 seat, was returned to the Assembly eight years after leaving the legislative chamber.

    Afuye who was in the Third Assembly (2007-2011) first served as the Minority Leader before becoming the Majority Leader after the the defection of five PDP members crossed over to the then ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    He also served as Commissioner for Information and Integration and Intergovernmental Affairs during the first tenure of Dr. Kayode Fayemi after completing his term in the Third Assembly.

    Being a returning member and the speakership zoned to Ekiti South by the APC, Afuye, a lawyer, is now the favourite to emerge the Speaker of the Sixth Assembly.

    Read Also: Low turnout mars Ekiti Assembly Election

    Another returnee is the Leader of Business in the outgoing Fifth Assembly, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, who retained the Ikole Constituency 1 seat.

    He hails from Ekiti North, the same senatorial district with Fayemi hence may be ruled out of the race for Speaker.

    Other winners at the Saturday poll are Mr. Hakeem Jamiu (Irepodun/Ifelodun 2), Mr. Femi Akindele (Irepodun/Ifelodun 1), Mr. Oluwatoyin Lucas (Ado 1) and Mr. Babatunde Idowu (Ikere 2).

    Also victorious are Mr. Adeoye Aribasoye (Ikole 2), Mr. Juwa Adegbuyi (Ekiti East 1), Mr. Lateef Akanle (Ekiti East 2), Mr. Reuben Awoyemi (Oye 1), Mr. Yemi Osatuyi (Oye 2), Mr. Abiodun Fawekun (Ido/Osi 1) and Mr. Akin Oso (Ido/Osi 2).

    Other members-elect are:  Mr. Tajudeen Akingbolu (Ekiti West 1), Mr. Johnson Bode-Adeoye (Ekiti West 2), Mr. Goke Olajide (Efon), Mr. Adeyemi Ajibade (Moba 1) and Mr. Olatunji Joseph (Ekiti Southwest 2).