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Tag: Fayemi

  • Ekiti poll: Fayemi reacts to Eleka’s decision to approach Supreme Court

    Ekiti poll: Fayemi reacts to Eleka’s decision to approach Supreme Court

    Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State on Friday declared that he never regarded the defeated governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic party, Prof. Kolapo Olusola-Eleka as an enemy.

    Rather, he said the major opposition party was free to challenge his victory at any stage of the court, and make useful suggestions for smooth running of his government.

    Fayemi, however, said Eleka and the PDP were free to challenge his victory at the Supreme Court, in spite of his readiness to entertain contributions from the main opposition party.

    The governor spoke in Ado Ekiti on Friday at a programme tagged “Meet Your Governor”.

    Fayemi stated that he had never perceived Eleka as an arch enemy in spite of the petition he filed against his victory in the July 14, 2018 poll.

    “I have never seen Prof Olusola Eleka as an enemy, but I have been seeing him as a co- contestant, so we won’t shy from approaching him to seek his advice on any issue we feel he could be of help for smooth running of our government.

    ”But this should not be misinterpreted to mean that we are trying to prevent him from seeking justice up to the supreme court; he is free to challenge us.

    “The Appeal Court, on Thursday delivered its judgment, declaring that PDP has no evidence of rigging against us, so we are not afraid of being challenged.”

    On the just concluded presidential, National and state assembly elections, which APC won wholesomely in the state, Fayemi denied the allegation that federal might and money were deployed to muzzle the opposition in the polls

    ”If you look at the outcome of the results, there was no local government where opposition did not score at least 30 percent in all the 16 local government areas

    “So, the conduct had been adjudged free, fair and the outcome was credible going by what INEC said,” he said.

    The governor added that his government would promote technical education to counter the rising unemployment in the state.

    ”We feel that skill acquisition is good in view of what we are experiencing in the labour market

    ”We must be able to convert our love in education to wealth and that is what we are out to do.

    ”We are also creating knowledge zone to make Ekiti a destination when it comes to knowledge and skills. About 117kms of roads will be constructed to link all the towns within that zone together.

    “They call it knowledge Park in advanced nations and we are studying how we can pattern our own model after any of the countries that are already practising the policy.”

    Fayemi added that he was committed to the re-establishment of the abolished Local Council Development Areas, the policy he initiated during his first term.

    He said the government would soon conduct council elections in the state to bring development to the grassroots.

  • Appeal Court upholds Fayemi’s election as Ekiti Governor

    …as Judges dismiss suit by PDP, Olusola

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

    A three-man panel of the court, in a unanimous judgment yesterday 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 Elections 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.

    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 about 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.

  • Crush, bury PDP completely in Ekiti before 2022, 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.

    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.

    “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.

  • BREAKING: Fayemi defeats Fayose’s Eleka at Ekiti gov election tribunal

    BREAKING: Fayemi defeats Fayose’s Eleka at Ekiti gov election tribunal

    Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has secured victory at the Ekiti State governorship election tribunal sitting in Abuja.

    Fayemi contested the election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and his victory was challenged by Olusola Eleka of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Eleka had filed a petition against him, alleging series of election irregularities and malpractices.

    On Monday, the Ekiti State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja unanimously struck out Eleka’s case and ruled that Fayemi is the duly elected Governor of the state.

  • I inherited over N155.79b debt from Fayose – Fayemi

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has expressed concern over the state’s debt profile under the immediate past Ayodele Fayose administration.

    The governor said his predecessor left an humongous debt profile of N155,791,785,214 as at October 16, before he assumed office.

    Fayemi made the allegations in his “State of the State” address marking his administration’s first 100 days in office on the floor of the House of Assembly in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

    He said the debt profile figures, which encompass the accounts of the state from October 2014 to last October, were arrived at after engaging the services of an external auditing firm, the Price WaterHouse Cooper, to thoroughly audit the state’s books.

    The breakdown of the debt profile, the governor said, included loan, N57,694 billion; salary arrears, N16,777 billion; outstanding leave bonus, N4,402 billion; outstanding (National Youth Service Corps) Corpers’ allowance, N28,883 million; outstanding subvention, N4,770 billion; pension and gratuity arrears, N39,775 billion and outstanding contractors claims, N28,575 billion.

    Others include outstanding furniture allowance, N470,266 million; outstanding severance allowance, N586,144 million; monetised vehicle arrears, N101,243 million; outstanding warrants, N386,777 billion; outstanding (Federal Inland Revenue Service) FIRS obligation, N184,215 million; traditional rulers’ arrears, N150,214 million; judgment debts, N95,048 million and other outstanding liabilities, N1,792 billion.

    Fayemi noted that though his administration had tried to distance itself from political witch- hunt and media trials, but “the fact that the present is the product of the past is incontrovertible”.
    He added: “We must examine our tortuous path with a view to charting a new path to economic recovery and value restoration.”

    Fayemi said his administration inherited a state that was in chaos and a people severely disoriented under a suppressive government that allegedly raised and promoted deceit into a stagecraft.

    “The last 100 days have clearly shown to us, in a very practical manner, that with clarity of vision, the resolve to push through and the unflinching support of the people, there are endless possibilities in our capacities to steer our state on the path of progress.

    “Despite the meagre resources at our disposal, we are meticulously delivering on our promises to the people through our various short, medium and long-term socio-economic intervention programmes.

    “We must examine our tortuous path with a view to charting a new course for a prosperous destination, not only for us but also for our unborn children,” he said.

     

  • Buhari, Tinubu, Fayemi, others greet Bisi Akande at 80

    President Muhammadu Buhari, All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi on Tuesday joined members of the ruling party to congratulate the first Interim Chairman of the party and former governor of Osun State, Chief Abdukareem Adebisi Akande on his 80th birthday.

    The President congratulated Pa Akande, his family and friends for his laudable achievements over the years, which threw him into the limelight at an early age, particularly highlighting his sacrifices in public service at the state and national levels.

    The President noted that as the first Interim Chairman of the APC, the former governor’s pivotal and visionary leadership prepared the party for history in 2015.

    He said this led to the unseating of an incumbent President for the first time in any election in Nigeria.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the President extolled Pa Akande’s loyalty and faithfulness to the party and the cause of building a strong and unified nation, as he consistently challenges governments and leaders to higher ideals and reminds them to think out of the box in meeting the needs of the poor and vulnerable.

    President Buhari added that he believed that the octogenarian’s good-nature, large heart and broad outlook on issues have impacted positively on party politics and democracy in Nigeria.

    The President prayed God to grant him longer life, strength and wisdom to serve more.

    Asiwaju Tinubu described Pa Akande as “a compassionate human being, an example of decorum in any circumstance and a principled leader possessed of profound judgment and a sage’s wisdom”.

    The former Lagos State governor prayed God Almighty to grant the celebrant “many more years so that he can continue to help this nation”.

    He added: “May he continue to stand forth as an example to young leaders and may his wise counsel and civic virtue help to guide and shape this nation.”

    Fayemi described Pa Akande as a living legend and perfect example of talent and hard work.

    In a congratulatory letter to the celebrant, the governor said he considered it a great privilege to work and walk with the former APC Interim National Chairman, whom he described as a man of integrity.

    He described Pa Akande as a pride and leading light of the progressive school of thought, “a true, committed, passionate and loyal Awoist deserving of all admiration”.

    Fayemi said: “I celebrate you today as always because you have been a great boss and a wonderful mentor. I will forever cherish the chance of working and walking with you to make life more meaningful for our people. Thank God for giving me this priceless opportunity and thank you for being there to nurture me with your infectious patience and humility.

  • Osinbajo, Akeredolu, Fayemi, others attend Fasehun’s burial in Ondo

    Osinbajo, Akeredolu, Fayemi, others attend Fasehun’s burial in Ondo

    The remains of the founder of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Frederick Fasehun, were on Thursday laid to rest in his home town in Ondo City, Ondo State.

    Political personalities, activists, friends and well wishers were on hand to bid him farewell amid praises for his accomplishments while he was alive.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu; his Ekiti State counterpart, Kayode Fayemi, and former Governor Olusegun Mimiko were some of the eminent Nigerians who attended the burial programme held at the St Stephen’s Anglican Church, Ondo.

    In his sermon, the Arch-Bishop of Ondo Anglican Province, Gabriel Akinbiyi, said death is a necessary end for every human being.

    He advised the people to always do good, while they are alive.

    Osinbajo, in his eulogy, described the late OPC founder as a dogged fighter and a highly principled personality.

    He said Fasehun would be greatly remembered for his contributions to the development of Yoruba people and Nigeria at large.

    Akeredolu on his part, described the late Mr Fasehun as a unique and special leader.

    Faseun, a medical doctor and pro-democracy activist, was 83 years old. He died on December 1 after a brief illness.

     

  • Fayemi lifts Fayose’s embargo on Ecobank, GTbank, Zenith Bank

    Two years after Former Governor Ayodele Fayose stopped Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) from patronising Zenith Bank, GT Bank and Ecobank, Governor Kayode Fayemi has lifted the embargo.

    Governor Fayemi announced the lifting of the embargo placed on the three banks by the administration of former Governor Ayodele Fayose.

    Recall that the Fayose-led administration in May 2016, placed a “non-patronage” ban on the three banks and forbade MDAs as well as workers from transacting business with them.

    But in a statement by his spokesman Olayinka Oyebode, the governor directed MDAs to resume transactions with the banks.

    Acting on the directive, the Office of the state’s Accountant-General has issued a memo to heads of MDAs to give effect to the governor’s directive lifting the ban.

    According to the statement, the embargo was lifted in a bid to rekindle and strengthen the relationship between the affected banks and the state government.

    The statement reads: “The government took the decision after a careful review of the developments that led to the purported embargo by the immediate past administration.

    “The Fayemi administration is committed to the infrastructural and industrial development of the state.

    “In achieving this, it will create a conducive atmosphere for business to thrive in the state by partnering with the private sector and encouraging private initiatives, among others.”

     

  • Fayemi terminates Fayose’s last minute appointments

    Fayemi terminates Fayose’s last minute appointments

    The Ekiti Executive Council at its sitting on Wednesday approved the cancellation of certain key appointments made by former Gov. Ayo Fayose in the twilight of his tenure.

    The review also affects all other appointments made into the state’s public service.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Olayinka Oyebode, who briefed newsmen at the end of the meeting, said that all Executive Secretaries appointed after the July 21 governorship election in the state were to revert to their former positions.

    He said all other appointments into the Public Service that did not go through due process, involving biometrics would be reviewed by an EXCO Committee.

    The state executive said that the committee would be headed by the Deputy Governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi.

    The committee, according to him, is also to determine available vacancies within the public service which will lead to the commencement of fresh recruitment process.

    Oyebode said that other members of the committee would be the Acting Head of Service, the Secretary to the State Government, the Commissioner for Finance and the Chief of Staff to Gov. Kayode Fayemi.

  • Ekiti poll: Fayemi closes defence, as tribunal adjourns for adoption of final addresses

    Ekiti poll: Fayemi closes defence, as tribunal adjourns for adoption of final addresses

    Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State on Thursday closed his defence before the state’s Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Apo, Abuja, where his victory at the July 14, 2018 poll is being challenged by the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Prof. Olusola Kolapo.

    Following the development on Thursday, the Justice Suleiman Belgore-led three-man panel adjourned till January 9 for all the parties in the case to adopt their final written addresses.

    The PDP and Kolapo had filed their petition before the tribunal alleging that the election characterised by vote-buying, violence, rigging and other forms of electoral malpractices.

    The petitioners prayed the tribunal to declare them as winners of the election on the grounds that they polled the majority of the lawful votes.

    They joined Fayemi, his party, the All Progressives Congress and the Independent National Electoral Commission as the respondents to the case.

    Fayemi, was the last of the three respondents to call witnesses, the two others having earlier called 56 witnesses in defence of the outcome of the poll.

    Fayemi, through his counsel, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), informed the Justice Belgore-led tribunal on Thursday that he was closing his case after his fourth witness gave evidence.

    Fayemi’s fourth witness, Rufus Adunmo, who was the Deputy Director-General of the governor’s campaign organisation, was the 60th among the defence witnesses called by all the three respondents to the petition.

    With the four additional witnesses called by Fayemi, the total number of defence witnesses who testified in defence of the outcome of the poll was 60.

    The petitioners called a total of 71 witnesses., including Kolapo.

    Fayemi did not testify as a witness but attended the proceedings which earlier held on Monday.