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Tag: Lalong

  • Buhari meets Lalong, Shittu, Kalu, Amosun in Daura

    Plateau State Governor Solomon Lalong, Communication Minister Adebayo Shittu and former Abia state Governor Orji -Uzor Kalu, yesterday met with President Muhammadu Buhari in his country home in Daura, Katsina state.

    The meeting lasted for more the 30 minutes when the All Progressives Congress (APC) chiefs arrived from the venue of the conferment of a chieftaincy title ‘Danbaiwan Hausa’, (Gifted son of Hausa Land) on Kalu, by Emir of Daura Dr. Farouq Umar Farouq.

    They were ushered in to see the President at about 2.40 p. m.

    The governor left at 3.30p.m while Kalu and Shittu followed five minutes later.

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun also visited the President.

    Shittu told reporters that they were at the President’s residence to “pay obeisance”.

    He said: “We came here to pay obeisance .You know the President recently returned from a trip abroad, and we were unable to see him because soon after the security meeting on Monday he left for Daura’’

    “Contrary to the claim by his detractors that he is not fit to run for second time, the President is not only fit to trek 800 meters as reported by the media, he is fit mentally and physically to continue to pilot the affairs of our great country for the next four years after the 2019 elections.”

    Shittu said he attended Kalu’s turbanning to reciprocate his kindness and liberal attitude to all Nigerians irrespective of tribes or religions.

    He blamed the Igbo for ‘’ostracizing’’ themselves from mainstream Nigerian political life and urged them to queue behind Buhari this time around.

    While turbanning Kalu, the Emir of Daurasaid he gave him the title because of his contribution to the unity of Nigeria and for his (Kalu) love for President Buhari’s administration and for championing his reelection bid.

  • Lalong pays Sallah homage to Buhari

    Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong celebrated Eid-El-Kabir with President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, it was learnt yesterday.

    According to the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Yakubu Datti, the governor sued for peace as a panacea for development.

    Lalong said he was in Daura to celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir with President Buhari and to wish him well.

    He said: “We have come to thank the father of the nation for the projects, and like Oliver twist, ask for more.”

    The governor earlier visited the Emir of Daura, Dr. Umar Faruk, where he witnessed the turbaning of former Abia State Governor Orji Uzo Kalu with the title of Dan Baiwan Kasan Hausa.

    He was accompanied by Deputy Speaker Saleh Shehu Yipmong; Deputy Chief of Staff Bala Bako, as well as leaders of Katsina and Daura residents in Jos.

  • Lalong raises IDPs resettlement panel

    The Plateau State government has constituted a committee for the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes.

    The committee was inaugurated yesterday in the Government House in Rayfield, Jos, with a mandate to fight indiscriminate occupation of lands in the name of land grabbing.

    Secretary to the State Government Rufus Bature lamented the indiscriminate occupation of land following the attacks in Barakin-ladi, Riyom, Mangu, Jos South, Jos North and Bokkos Local Government Areas.

    Bature, who said the government will not condone such atrocity, warned that the administration will deal with any group engaging in such act.

    He urged the committee to work towards reaching workable recommendations that will enhance the return of the IDPs to their homes.

    “With the inauguration of this committee, the government assures all citizens that it is alert to its responsibilities. We want to re-affirm the determination of this administration in sustaining peace and security,” he added.

    The committee comprises the following persons – Air Vice Marshal Bala Dababa (rtd – Chairman); CP Patrick Garba (rtd); Alhaji Saleh Bayari; Da. Christopher Gwom; Acting Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Rev. Yakubu Pam and Abus Ibrahim Izang.

    Their terms of reference include – identifying the areas affected; identifying those displaced and areas they were displaced from; to ascertain the number of people affected and displaced; to identify those who have annexed the destroyed villages and to work out modalities for their return.

    Air Vice Marshall Danbaba (rtd) said the assignment is not what anyone will want to do, considering the circumstances surrounding it, but promised that the committee will carry out the assignment with all sense of responsibility.

  • Lalong’s convoy attacked at IDP camp in Jos

    Gov Simon Lalong of Plateau’s convoy was on Saturday attacked by displaced persons living at  Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Jos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident occurred when he visited one of the IDPs at Zawan to  give relief materials to the IDPs.

    Stones were thrown at the governor’s car and the vehicles of his entourage that included his Deputy,  Prof.  Sonni Tyoden.

    Windscreen of many cars were smashed but the governor escaped unhurt as stones could not penetrate his bullet proof car.

    When Governor Lalong arrived at the IDP camp,   the displaced persons started murmuring: ‘We don’t want relief materials,  we want to go back to our ancestral homes’.

    Lalong in an address before the stoning, assured the people that the State Government would do what it could to address challenges being faced by the Internally Displaced Persons.

    The governor said  he visited  the IDP camp  to see for himself the condition of the displaced persons and ensure that they received  the relief materials released by government.

    He urged them to be patient as government was working hard to ensure that their security is guaranteed before they are relocated to their homes.

    Governor Lalong who said government will hunt and  arrest their attackers,  reiterated that he would not allow their ancestral land to be grabbed.

    Earlier, a representative of the National Emergency Management Agency NEMA,  Mr. Eugene Nyelong commended government and other people who have been supportive of the IDPs.

    He appealed to relevant ministries and agencies to give more attention to the camps, especially in the area of hygiene.

    Mr Francis Chong, the Camp Coordinator, urged the governor to stand by his word of protecting their land from being grabbed by the invaders

    Chong also appealed to the state government to provide more security to the displaced persons.

    He also appealed to government to assist with medication,  those suffering from various health conditions. (NAN)

  • Lalong and security restructuring

    It is ironic that Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong is faced with a storm, despite his philosophy of peace.  He rushed back home from the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Convention in Abuja following June mass shootings in which hundreds of people were reportedly killed in the state, despite the presence of  a special military taskforce in charge of security, Operation Safe Haven. The shocking bloodletting in Barikin Ladi, Riyom and Jos South Local Government Areas has been attributed to   renewed antagonism between farmers and herders.

    It is noteworthy that President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged Lalong’s positive role when he met leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the North at the State House on July 5. Buhari observed: “We must not forget that the same Plateau State which has been crisis-ridden for years has in the past three years been celebrated for its peace. The governor’s hard work for peace and the presence of the military’s Operation Safe Haven must have had some impact.”

    Buhari drew attention to three special military intervention forces in troubled zones:  Operation Safe Haven to secure Plateau State, Operation Whirl Stroke 1 (OPWS) to secure Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa and OPWS 2 to secure Zamfara and Kaduna States. “These forces are supported with investigative and intelligence gathering capabilities from the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other agencies,” he added.  Obviously, the scale of military intervention is a reflection of the intensity of the security crisis.

    It is understandable that the latest mass killings in Plateau State intensified the question of state police and the search for an answer.  In a reaction, Governor Aminu  Tambuwal of Sokoto State called for a review of the country’s  security structure while  opening a meeting of the  National Executive Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Sokoto.

    Tambuwal argued: “Whether we like it or not, there is seeming justification for state police and there is seeming justification for state governments to have some measure of control over security personnel. You call the police commissioner and that call is ignored is unfortunate and unacceptable.”

    Just before the recent Plateau tragedy, Zamfara State Governor Abdul’aziz Yari made a tragic observation:  “We have been facing serious security challenges over the years but in spite of being governor and chief security officer of the state, I cannot direct security officers on what to do nor sanction them when they err. As chief security officer, the nomenclature is just a name.”

    Lalong is also in this category. What is a chief security officer without power over security?  Lalong told journalists after a meeting with President Buhari:  “We are all concerned about the killings…This issue of killings must stop…No governor will sit down and encourage or allow crisis. Even by omission, if you see it, you must address it squarely.” Given the current security structure, Lalong is faced with a clear security handicap.  In other words, security restructuring may well be the solution.

    Indeed, security restructuring is an inevitable aspect of political restructuring. In 2016, former Inspector-General of Police (IG) Solomon Arase had painted a picture that showed just how under-policed the country is. He had said in an interview: “When you say the number of policemen we have is 370,000, you have to take into consideration that we have traffic wardens, civilian staff, medical doctors, engineers and drivers. If you put those ones together and minus it from the 370,000, it will come down greatly. So, it leaves us with few operational policemen who we can give firearms to.”  Considering that Nigeria’s population was estimated at 178.5 million in 2014, the extent of the existing policing gap is extensive.

    More fundamentally, Arase had tried to dance around what may well be the primary problem. He had said: “On the recruitment of new 10,000 policemen that was ordered by the President, we want the recruitment to be state-based because we want to encourage community partnership. If we want to encourage community partnership, for instance, somebody from Kano who understands the language and culture, as a constable, he will be able to serve better and gather information in that area after training instead of taking somebody from Lagos who does not understand the culture to go and dump him in Kano and then take a young boy who has not passed through Kaduna before to be dumped in the South-East. So, we want to discourage those things and ensure that it is local government and state-based by the time we recruit.”

    It is unclear whether Arase’s successor and current IG Ibrahim Idris Kpotum is thinking along similar lines. But thinking along those lines isn’t enough.  The truth is that no matter how hard the authorities try to invent a substitute, there is no real substitute for state police properly so called.  The concept of state police goes with federalism properly so called, which means that Nigeria’s version of federalism is an oddity because it doesn’t accommodate state police, among other essentials.

    Following the Plateau killings, it is interesting that the National Assembly endorsed state police on July 3. The Senate and the House of Representatives described the country’s security system as a “failed architecture,” and backed the call for the establishment of state police to tackle the rising killings allegedly by herdsmen across several states. The two chambers of the National Assembly agreed to amend the constitution for this purpose. Specifically, the Senate has asked the Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution led by the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, to present an amendment bill within a specified period.

    Of course, it is one thing to talk about state police and it is another thing to take action in the direction of completion. It is on record that the National Assembly rejected a proposal for state police three times in the past.

    To present the big picture, the Plateau problem further illustrates the necessity for a federal arrangement that will give a governor like Lalong the powers to pursue public peace, prosperity and security to the best of his ability and without hindrance by a flawed federalism.

  • LALONG: governor’s unforeseen PLIGHT

    WHATEVER goes around, they say, will certainly come around. That seems the case with the governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Lalong, after the confrontation sparked between him and his Benue State counterpart, Chief Samuel Ortom, over the comments he made on the attacks on some Benue communities by killer herdsmen early in the year.

    Some herdsmen had invaded some Benue communities on New Year’s Day, killing scores of people and injuring many others. But while the outrage over the unusual compliments lasted, Lalong told State House reporters at the Presidential Villa, Abuja that the killings would have been avoided if Ortom had heeded his advice not to implement the state’s Anti-Grazing law without providing alternative means for herdsmen in the state to graze their cattle.

    Lalong had also attributed to the peace that Plateau State was enjoying at the time to the fact that his government had brought everyone in his state together, including farmers and herdsmen, and had consulted widely on the need to embrace ranching.

    He also said he was convinced about the plan by the Federal Government to establish cattle colonies in states as a way of addressing the perennial crises between farmers and herdsmen, adding that he was ready to give his full support to the idea.

    The Plateau State governor was quoted as saying: “To be honest with you, I advised him. I told the governor of Benue State when he was doing the law. I said, ‘Look, why don’t you tread softly? Just be careful.

    Take other steps before you start implementation.’ “But you see, states are different. His own concepts are different, and for us on the Plateau, it is different. “I said I will not do the law before implementation.

    I have not developed the ranching areas so I cannot go and say I put a law. To stop who? If I stop the people, what is the alternative? “So, I said ‘Do consultations. Allow the people to understand and buy into the concepts.’” Asked the secret behind the relative peace in his crisis-prone state, Lalong had responded: “I have said it a number of times that it is a matter of accommodating interests; you take everybody as your own. In Plateau State, I did that. Because when I came, I inherited a protracted crisis in the state, and so my first priority was how to handle these crises and ensure that we have peace in Plateau State.

    Within three months, we were able to achieve peace. Most of the lingering crisis were between farmers and herdsmen on the Plateau. But today in most parts of the state, you will see beautiful relationships between herdsmen and farmers.” He added: “Let me also say that plateau was one of those (states) that embraced ranching. I had a lot of opposition initially when I said Plateau was keying into ranching. Some states said they don’t have land but I said whether I have land or not we have to provide land for ranching because that is where I see as solution to the conflicts. In Plateau, we have gone far; we have donated land voluntarily. Many people donated land for ranching.

    For a while, Lalong’s comments on the Benue tragedy became the basis for a face-off between him and Governor Ortom, who did not take kindly to the former’s comments on an issue of such tragic proportion. Ortom promptly took exception to Lalong’s seemingly insensitive comments, insisting that he never received any such advice from the Plateau State chief executive on the Anti-Grazing law, which had been in operation before the killing of more than 73 indigenes of the state. This coupled with the public outrage that followed his comments, prompted the Plateau State governor to tender an apology to Governor Ortom.

    Speaking with newsmen at a media briefing in Abuja, Lalong did not only apologise to Governor Ortom and the entire people of Benue, he also withdrew his offensive remark, saying that he was extremely sorry for the comments he said were not helpful at the time he should have consoled and sympathised with the government and people of Benue State over the gruesome murder of more than 73 innocent people by rampaging herdsmen. Lalong also extended “heartfelt sympathy and condolences” to the families who lost their loved ones on the New Year Day in Benue. “I extend my condolences to the government and people of Benue over the irreparable loss. I apologize over my comments on the matter,” he said in a rare show of humility and statesmanship. Fate, however, appears not to have discounted Lalong’s misdeed in spite of his apologies and has decided to dish to him in more than equal measure the ugly fate that once befell Ortom.

    Penultimate Sunday, the world woke up to the news that herdsmen had killed no fewer than 86 people in 11 communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, Plateau State. More than 50 houses were also reported razed while more than 300 inhabitants of the affected communities were said to have received serious gunshot injuries. Receiving the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, who was in Jos on sympathy, Governor Lalong said although he inherited the crisis between herdsmen and farmers in the state, he had thought that his adoption of cattle ranching would stop the crisis. He said: “The summary is that I inherited this problem.

    When I was in government earlier, we had such problems and we tackled them. I thought we had proffered a practical solution which I was already selling to other states to copy, and with this solution we had peace in Plateau for over three years, and we were in the mood of celebrating the peace when this one came.” Happily though, the security outfit code named Operation Safe Haven in the state has announced the arrest of about 23 suspects involved in the killings, and Governor Lalong has insisted that the suspects would be tried in Plateau State, not taken to Abuja as had been the case in previous experiences. He has also called on the Federal Government to rejig the nation’s security architecture with a view to making it easier for states’ chief executives to take charge of the security of lives and property in their domains. While statesmanship is not a terrain completely new to Lalong, the former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and erstwhile chair of the nation’s conference of speakers must have found that being the governor and chief security officer of a state is a different kettle of fish.

  • Ortom sympathies with Lalong

    Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has commiserated with his Plateau counterpart Simon Lalong over last weekend’s killings in the neighbouring state.

    Ortom, who condemned the attacks, described the killing of children, women and other vulnerable people in Barkin Ladi as barbaric, inhuman and unfortunate.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, urged security agencies to arrest and prosecute the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBN), who have claimed responsibility for the Plateau killings.

    Ortom assured Lalong that Benue would continue to stand with the people of Plateau in prayers until the orgy of violence in the Middle Belt ends.

  • Saraki, Lalong: let’s change Nigeria’s security structure

    Senate President Bukola Saraki and Plateau State Goveror Simon Lalong yesterday spoke of the need to change the nation’s security structure to stem killings.

    They spoke during Saraki’s visit to the governor to condole with him over last weekend’s killings of villagers and farmers by suspectd herdsmen.

    The Plateau attacks are the latest by the herdsmen, whose deadly activities have led to mass deaths, mainly in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and Kogi states.

    “Something is wrong; unless we want to deceive ourselves. It might not have started today but let us sit down at a table and find a solution to it.

    “Definitely something is not working right and it is upon us and we must collaborate to correct it,” Saraki said.

    He praised the governor’s efforts to stop the killings.

    Saraki, however, advised  Lalong to be fair and just in governing the people, saying that God would be on his side to guide him if he does what is right.

    Saraki said the National Assembly would, through its oversight function, ensure that whatever was required to stem the killings was done.

    Lalong said: “I agree with you that we need new security architecture because if we allow people to be killed before we look for the reasons that they were killed, it is unfortunate.

    “It is better that they must be proactive, know what is coming and take action before it happens.”

    The governor added that he was taken aback at what happened because it happened in a very short time.

    According to him, before he left for the APC national convention, he interacted with security chiefs and community leaders and there was no tension or cause to worry.

    He said shortly after they began to announce results, he was informed that his state was on fire and he immediately left the convention to rush back home.

    “We are doing our best to ensure that the crisis doesn’t spread to other parts of state,” Lalong assured.

  • ACF asks Lalong to reinstate his peace initiative

    The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned the killings in Plateau State.

    National Publicity Secretary Muhammad Ibrahim Biu, called on the security agencies to always be proactive in their operations to avert such incidents.

    The statement said: “The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) is deeply touched by the recent unwarranted and wanton destruction of innocent lives and property by some armed bandits in some communities in Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State.

    “The heinous acts by the gunmen or bandits were callous and inhuman, considering the huge number of casualties in terms of lives lost and settlements affected. Unfortunately, travelers plying the roads within the local government areas affected were also victims of the attacks.

    “Killing of innocent people for whatever reasons cannot in any way address the perceived concerns or grievances of the perpetrators of these crimes.

    “ACF once more appeals to all aggrieved persons to always channel their grievances through due process of law rather than taking the law into their hands. This is because both the attacks and reprisals are targeted at innocent people who know nothing about the feuds.

    “ACF condemns the spate of killings of innocent people by armed bandits and gunmen not only in Plateau State but also the ones in some other Northern states.

    “ACF extends its condolences to the affected communities of Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas, the Government and good people of Plateau State as well as the families affected over the unfortunate incidence. May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace.” Prayed ACF.

  • Oshiomhole, Lalong, Yari: power ‘ll shift in Ekiti on July 14

    All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders have reiterated their push for power shift in Ekiti State at a rally witnessed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, 12 governors, ministers, and other big wigs. The election will hold on July 14. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU captures the expectations of the party faithful as the campaign train of the flag bearer, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, rolls into the 120 towns and villages constituting the Fountain of Knowledge.

    Brooms filled the air in Ado, the capital of Ekiti State. It was not a rented crowd. Joy was bold on the faces of party members who adorned customized t-shirts and fez caps. They were full of enthusiasm and zeal they danced and chanted party slogans at intervals. As the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Jide Awe, put it, the voters were ready for the July 14 governorship poll.

    Artisans, peasants, youths, professionals, technocrats, women groups, and representatives of Hausa and Ebira communities joined party supporters from 120 towns and villages for the rally. They were in one accord. There was no display of unruly behaviour during the carnival-like rally that lasted for almost nine hours.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) led the national party leaders who stormed the Kayode Oluyemi Stadium for the rally around 2. 05 pm. He was accompanied by 12 governors, some ministers and senior party officers who delivered powerful messages of solidarity and goodwill to Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the governorship flag bearer, his running mate, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, and the Ekiti APC family.

    “Ekiti deserves prosperity. JFK will bring prosperity to Ekiti. On July 14, don’t waste your votes. We are moving forward. We are cooking a good soup for you,” Osinbajo said in Yoruba, assuring Ekiti of a brighter future.

    On the raised platform were Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former APC Interim Chairman Chief Bisi Akande, out-going National Chaitman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, his likely successor and former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, Secretary to Government of Federation Boss Mustapha, National Secretary Mai Buni, former Governors Bamidele Olumilua, who gave the opening prayer, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and Segun Oni, Fayemi’s wife, Bisi, and Mrs. Egbeyemi.

    Tinubu, who saluted the endurance and resilience of the crowd, urged the people not to waver in spirit and focus. He lamented that it is strange that Ekiti is not yet part of the broom revolution. Why is Ekiti different? He asked. Throwing his weight behind Ekiti APC’s avowed commitment to change, the party stalwart said: “We will do this voting together. I don’t have a PVC in Ekiti, but…”

    Urging the people to get their permanent voter’s cards ready, he said: “What is the value of your stay here, if you don’t have the permanent voter’s card? That is the red card. You watch the world cup matches. They have issuing yellow and red cards to players. You should give the PDP the final card on the day of the election.”

    In the mood of excitement were Adebayo and Oshiomhole, who basked in the euphoria of incumbency power wielded by the ruling party. Thus, there was a flash of federal might which may have sent the PDP jittery. “I am not a visitor to Ekiti like our party leaders. I have not much to say. PDP says they don’t want soldiers and police. It is foul of them. On poll day, there will be soldiers and police,” said the Iyin-Ekiti-born politician.

    To Oshiomhole, what goes around comes around. He mocked the PDP over its loss of power, which he said was used to prevent his entry into Ekiti for campaigns four years ago. He said the PDP rigged the 2014 poll. “Many days are for the thief, one day for the owner. 2014 was for the thief. July 14 is for the owner,” he said, urging the electorate to shun fear on election day.

    Reminiscing on his 2014 plight, he said: “Four years ago, I was on my way to Akure, to come to Ekiti, to send a message. Those in power did not allow me. They stopped me at Benin. Tough times don’t last. Those who used power, God took them away.”

    The former labour leader urged the electorate to vote for Fayemi. He said:” Ekiti recorded achievements under Fayemi. You are intelligent. You can’t choose a roadside banana maker. Don’t be afraid. Your votes will count. What is good for Kogi, Kwara, Ondo, Osun, Lagos and the rest of Nigeria cannot be bad for Ekiti.”

    Echoing him, a defector, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, former Minister of State for Works, said the PDP is dead in Ekiti, adding that its leading lights are defecting in droves. He challenged Fayose to repeat the feat of wining in 16 councils on July 14. “PDP is dead in Ekiti. It will not rise again. We have uprooted it. We will not set it on fire. People are decamping on daily basis from PDP. One of the exco members of PDP, as Fayemi knows, has defected. Fayemi will liberate us.”

    To Oyegun, Adeyeye’s defection was long overdue. Presenting the flag to Fayemi, he said: “It is the popular consent of your people that you will be governor. Congratulations. Impressed by the turnout of party faithful, he said: “You can see victory. You can feel victory. Have you not tried two wives? Who is your governor? JFK.” Turning to Adeyeye after receiving him into the fold, Oyegun added: “We have wanted you in the APC. Today, you are with us. To God be the glory.”

    Also, Oni mocked the PDP, saying it is depreciating, adding that a party that had over 30 governors when he served as governor on its platform, now has less than 12 governors. “Ekiti is the od state out in Yorubaland. We should join the progressive camp to be part of development and prosperity,” he said.

    Awe alerted Ekiti to the imminence of a political tsunami, which he said, will sweep away the remnants of PDP from the state. He said the change will open a new chapter in the life of the chapter, adding that it will be a stepping stone to a glorious future. “We lost in 2014. It will not be repeated again. On July 14, come and vote for APC,” he added.

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun was visible at the rally with his familiar hill-top cap. “Ekiti should not come last in the Nigerian project. Having tasted the PDP and the APC, you know the better one. Let everyone take his PVC to vote for FKJ. The loss of 2014 must not be repeated,” he added. His Oyo State counterpart, Senator Abiola was comical, saying: “For you to be fine, you should vote for Fayemi.”

    Their Osun compatriot, Rauf Aregbesola, was hailed by the crowd as he approached the podium. Waving his broom at the crowd, he said in Yoruba: “Ekiti is full of eagerness. We should prepare anew. We must not fail this time around.”

    As if he was reading his lips, Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who added a little drama to his speech, declared: “This is a different time. Fayemi only retraced, only to come back in full force. APC has produced governors in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo. It is the turn of Ekiti.”

    Urging voters to gird their loins, Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said: “Ekiti should be part of progressive states. On July 14, let us vote for the APC. Fayemi has been governor before and he was successful. We should vote for him again.”

    Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi State, who directed his message to the youths, urged them to vote for APC in appreciation. “APC is the party that appreciates the youths. It is a party that recognizes the youths. In this dispensation, they gave me an opportunity to represent the youths. The way we won Edo and Ondo is the way we will win Ekiti. We will campaign day and night to win,” he said.

    The governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, hailed Ekiti for their zeal, assuring that the reclamation is far gone. Noting that Nigeria in the last three and half year have been safe in the hands of President Muhamadu Buhari and Osinbajo, he said: “By God’s grace, on July 14, Ekiti will come under the rule of the APC.”

    His Zamfara State counterpart, Abdulazeez Yari, asked the crowd: “Are you ready for change in Ekiti in 2018?” The crowd responded: “Yes”. He said: “The crowd I saw in 2014 is different from that of 2018. That means you are ready for change.”

    Southwest APC Women Leader Chief Kemi Nelson, while charging voters to prepare for the exercise, said: “Go and collect your PVC so that you can vote for Fayemi.”

    Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Presidential Adviser on Political Matters, said the end of the PDP’s rule in Ekiti was approaching. “Oshofo will go. Let’s say bye to him. He will go.”

    A representative of the students, Niyi Odebunmi, reiterated the support of youths for Fayemi. “Students are socio-cultural and political asset. We identify with Kayode Fayemi in his bid to restore our values and secure our future.”

    The vice chairman of the Hausa Community, Mustapha Sheu, said victory is assured, adding: “We are expecting the swearing in of Fayemi, who has been kind to us. We cannot forget him.”

    A leader of Ebira community, Sadiku Ojo, said: “We support Fayemi for a second term. We came to this rally in the bus he gave to our community in his first term. He really empowere our women and traders. We will vote for him.”

    Fayemi said he was humbled by the genuine solidarity of party leaders. Firing salvos at the PDP, he said: “They said they want continuity; continuity of poverty, backwardness and fraud.”

    Highlighting his vision for Ekiti, he added: “Our government will start to pay for school fees, NECO fees and social security. We will provide jobs. Our LCDAs will be back. By God’s grace, July 14 is our day with destiny. It is the day the PDP will be obliterated; a day of restoration of values, decorum and good governance.

    At the rally were Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, his Plateau and Borno counterparts Simon Lalong and Kashim Shetima, Minister of Information Lai Mohammed, APC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, former Ekiti State Deputy Governor Modupe Adelabu, Southwest APC leader Chief Pius Akinyelure, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, Senator Tayo Alasoadura, Senator Ayo Arise, Mr. Ayo Afolabi, Bimbo Daramola, Dele Faparusi, Kayode Ojo, Emmanuel Adesoye, Bode Oyedele, Akinlayo Kolawole, Ondo APC Chairman Ade Adetimehin, Yahaya Kolade, Hajia Hassan, Afolabi Ogunlayi, Uche Ekwunife, Sharon Ikereasor, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, and Senator Bunmi Adetunmbi.