Tag: Fayemi

Ekiti: APC excos query Ojudu, Adeyeye, others over ‘suspension’ of Gov. Fayemi

The Executive Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC), Ekiti State chapter, has on Friday issued a query to Senator Babajide Ojudu; Senator Dayo Adeyeye, and six others over the alleged suspension of Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi from the party.

Recall TheNewsGuru had earlier reported a statement released by the faction led by Senator Tony Adeniyi, the governor was suspended due to “his numerous anti-party activities, especially his role in the recently concluded governorship election in Edo State which is contrary to the provisions of Article 21 (A) (ii) of the APC Constitution.”

Reacting to the statement issued by Adeniyi’s faction the excos demanded the confirmation or denial of the said publication by the purported signatories

Read the statement from APC’s excos, Ekiti chapter :

Re: Dr. Kayode Fayemi Anti-Party Activities”

The attention of the Ekiti State All Progressives Congress State Executive Committee has been drawn to the publication which is in circulation in the social media titled, “Re: Dr. Kayode Fayemi Anti-Party Activities” purportedly signed by the following people:

1. Senator Tony Adeniyi
2. Senator Babafemi Ojudu
3. Senator Dayo Adeyeye
4. Congressman Bimbo Daramola
5.Hon. Robinson Ajiboye
6. Hon. Oye Ojo
7. Hon. Dr. Adewale Ominrin
8. Hon. Femi Adeleye

We hereby call for the confirmation or denial of the said publication by the purported signatories between now and the close of work today, September 25, 2020.

Signed:

Omotoso Paul
On behalf of State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress

September 25, 2020
BREAKING: APC suspends Ekiti gov, Fayemi
The State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has suspended Governor Kayode Fayemi.

According to a statement released by the party on Friday, the governor was suspended due to “his numerous anti-party activities, especially his role in the recently concluded governorship election in Edo State which is contrary to the provisions of Article 21 (A) (ii) of the APC Constitution.”

The party claimed that five days before the Edo Election, Gov Fayemi hosted PDP big wig Mr. Femi Fani- Kayode in the government house in Ado Ekiti and planned a coup against Edo APC.

Another allegation leveled against Governor Fayemi by the party was that he played a role in the gubernatorial election in Oyo State and supported the PDP candidate to defeat the APC candidate.

See Full Statement by the party below…

RE: DR. KAYODE FAYEMI ANTI – PARTY ACTIVITIES.

After painstakingly reviewing the activities of some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, we the authentic members of the Party in the State and Members of State Executive Committee per Section 12.8 of APC Constitution being duly constituted members of the National Convention of the Party, rose from its meeting of the 23rd September 2020 and resolved as follows:
1. We note the continued illegalities in the name of the party, being conducted by Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who as Governor is an ordinary member of the SEC and ought to have called meetings of this duly constituted body as a critical party organ, has failed to do so since his assumption of office in 2018.
2. That the body currently masquerading as the elected members of the SEC or as the State Working Committee or appendages is unknown to us (as due statutory members of SEC) since no Ward Congress has taken place in Ekiti State APC since inception. All the SEC members listed in Section 12.8 of our constitution, (i) to (xxvii) as such are open positions since only duly officiated Ward congresses with INEC observation can fill these positions.

3. As such, only the duly elected members of the APC in the state serving as Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker & Deputy Speaker as well as Principal Officers of the House and Members of the National Convention which includes all present and past National Assembly members today constitute the State SEC of our great party.

4. To this end, in the absence of a properly organized body and meeting, and the continued insistence of the Governor to neglect his duty to initiate Ward Congresses or call a meeting of the SEC to deliberate upon pertinent issues, we as loyal members of our party and members of the State Executive Committee met to rescue our party from continued denigration and abuse, and resolved thus:

a.That Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State is hereby suspended from the Party in view of his numerous anti-party activities especially his role in the recent concluded governorship election in Edo State which is contrary to the provisions of Article 21 (A) (ii) of the APC Constitution.

For five days prior to the Edo elections, Gov Fayemi hosted PDP big wig Mr. Femi Fani- Kayode in the government house in Ado Ekiti in the run-up to the Edo elections. It was here they perfected the coup against our party in Edo State. This is the same Fani-Kayode who daily abuses President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the APC as a party as well a vital section of our country. We have evidence of that meeting.

Fani-Kayode specifically said he has gone on his tour as part of an effort between him and Fayemi to build a cross-party alliance and few hours after leaving Ekiti he fired a shot at Asiwaju Tinubu.

1 (a) We also have evidence of celebration by his aides in the Ekiti government house and on social media.

1(b) We also recall his role in the gubernatorial election in Oyo State where he supported the PDP candidate to defeat the APC candidate. A second tranche of money he sent to Gov Makinde in the election was intercepted by soldiers. The courier Mr Ayo Adegbite, his Chief Protocol Officer was arrested and he immediately disowned and announced his sack. Mr. Adegbite remains his aide till date.

1(c) We also recall the support he provided a PDP candidate who challenged an APC Senator Prince Dayo Adeyeye in the Tribunal. He moved the judges to Kaduna to deliver judgement when he knew what he planned against his party was unpopular in Ekiti. We have more to tell on this betrayal and traitorous act of his. APC Senator is out of the Senate today and PDP is in. The relationship between Fayemi and Senator Olujimi of PDP, the beneficiary of his treachery is known to all in Ekiti State.

We also recall his resort to court when the majority of party members nominated late Senator Abiola Ajimobi for Deputy National Chairman of the party. He fought Ajimobi till death.

1(d) His fraternisation with the PDP in continuation of his bid for Vice Presidential candidate under the party ( if his bid for Presidential candidate in APC fails ) was masked by the commissioning of projects in Rivers State, a smokescreen for his consultation to woo the support of Governor Nyesom Wike last year.

2.That the Paul Omotosho led faction of APC Executive in the State is hereby declared illegal and suspended from the Party for failure to emerge in accordance to the Constitution of the Party.

3.That Paul Omotoso and his co-travellers’ refusal to respect court proceedings in which they are not only joined but appeared in court through the proceedings but defiantly disrespected the court contrary to the hallowed decision of the Supreme Court in OJUKWU vs GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE

4.That Paul Omotosho faction of the executive should desist from parading themselves as the Executive Members of the Party in the State and that the Nigerian Police and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the general public should take note.

5.That Senator Tony Adeniyi, as a statutory member of the SEC going by our party’s constitution, was elected by all members attending as the Acting Chairman of the State Executive Committee in the absence of direction or directive from the National Body. He is as such the only one thus capable to call the SEC meeting as duly required by the constitution from henceforth.

6.The committee seating also agreed to begin bridge-building across our members, statewide and nationally and set up a special intervention committee, APC Majeobaje Working Group, to be led by Prince Bamgboye Adegoroye, and six other individuals from across our great state. That working group will henceforth do the hard work of rebuilding APC in Ekiti state and prevent the oncoming annihilation of our party if we take no action at the upcoming polls.

We note that the All Progressives Congress is a party of progressives, and must do things only in line with the law. The APC cannot act against its constitution or the law of the land, hence this intervention became urgently necessary and pertinent before marauders destroy the party permanently.

It must be emphasized that with the increasingly discerning capacity and sophistication of our people we cannot afford to take them for granted. We must be able to sustain the relevance of our party in Ekiti State, hold our members and win new members. We are obligated to ensure that the light of our electoral prospect and fortune is not dimmed or extinguished.

Signed:

For Ekiti State APC State Executive Committee
1. Senator Tony Adeniyi – Senator, Ekiti South Senatorial District ( 2011 – 2015 )
1. Senator Babafemi Ojudu – Senator, Ekiti Central Senatorial District ( 2011 – 2015)
1. Senator Dayo Adeyeye, Senator, Ekiti South Senatorial District ( 2019- ) Former Minister of Works.
2. Congressman Bimbo Daramola, Ekiti North Federal Constituency ( 2011 – 2015 )
3. Hon Robinson Ajiboye, Ekiti North Federal Constituency ( 2011 – 2015)
4. Hon Oye Ojo, Ekiti North Federal Constituency ( 2011 – 2015 )
5. Hon ( Dr.) Adewale Omirin – Hon Speaker Ekiti State House of Assembly ( 2011 – 2015 )
6. Hon Femi Adeleye, Member, Ekiti State House of Assembly, ( 2007 – 20011 )
September 25, 2020
Between Zulum and Fayemi, a good story for Telecoms? – Okoh Aihe

Okoh Aihe

I have been thinking of two governors lately – Dr John Kayode Fayemi and Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum of Ekiti and Bornu States, respectively. Each time I ask myself, can this two be change agents in a positive way to bring the dividends of democracy to their people concerning telecommunication services and accompanying enablement? I mean not the kind of dividends that bring returns only to the pockets of the politicians but real change, the type that can wipe away tears from the faces of the ordinary folks and replace their bitterness and sorrow with honey and the good things of life. At least, for once, let that little infra dig be given the rare opportunity to dissolve a cube of sugar with his tongue, apologies to Ola Rotimi, and enjoy the goodness of life.

I ask myself, can this duo fill the leadership void so very pronounced and prevalent today to let the people know that something good can come from our land, different from praise singing, when a dirge should have been more appropriate, and genuflecting instead of pervasive condemnation? I was prepared to sing an oriki this morning but even the Yorubas will agree with me that no oriki can come from broken tongues, apologies to Dr Amanze Obi. I do not intend to dampen your day; I am only suggesting that our actions in government should be symmetrical with the hopes and aspirations of the people. Zulum presents brightening hope in country facing very serious challenges which government wants to lobotomize from our memory and experience as a people.

When his convoy was attacked on July 29, 2020, by defeated insurgents while on his way to Baga, Zulum presented the other side of the story, the inside story not cocooned in normalcy, which they don’t want us to hear. He didn’t hide his consternation and readiness to die only if his people could have peace, when he condemned the insincerity of the security folks around him.

Zulum has been very active. Reliving his time at IBM in a book titled, Who says Elephants Can’t Dance? Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. wrote: “I have always believed you cannot run a successful enterprise from behind a desk.” Adjusted moderately you will agree that no state governor can run a successful state by staying behind his desk in the state capital. Zulum exemplifies that. He has been very busy while staring reality in the face, perhaps with the conviction that desperate times need some naked truth and force of will.

Beloved by many as a governor who would speak the truth in a season of disappearing honesty, Zulum’s latest tangle is with frontline telecoms service provider, MTN. An innocuous story in the media last week informed that the governor is into discussions with MTN by way of encouraging and partnering with the operator to green-light at least 50 base stations that were taken out by the insurgents. That is leadership. The leader knows what is best for his people and does not pretend about it. This is no publicity stunt. Zulum knows that the state is in bad shape as a result of the activities of defeated insurgents and is not ashamed to seek help from whoever is in a position to give it.

The governor’s pragmatism is not an ordinary call. A highly placed source at MTN confirmed to this writer that Zulum actually had a meeting with them and they were prepared to do business with the governor for his very audacious request. Explaining that in the past MTN could not take unilateral action in order not to expose its workers to danger, the source noted that Zulum’s readiness to assist with security and other necessary support are enough to spur the operator into action.

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators in Nigeria (ALTON) are quite excited about the foresightedness of the governor in his efforts to revamp business activities in the state. Chairman of the Association, Engr Gbenga Adebayo, told this writer on Monday that the governor’s rapprochement will be rewarded by robust cooperation of its members who had felt disillusioned about the general atmosphere in that part of the country which was not safe for the life of the people or business. Adebayo is encouraging other governors to emulate Zulum in tackling telecom challenges.
This brings me to the story of the Dr Kayode Fayemi, the governor of Ekiti State. As the Chairman of the Governors Forum, the governor has been largely praised for signing Executive Order, No. 007 of 2020, which reduced Right of Way (RoW) Charges for telecommunication infrastructure in Ekiti State by 97 per cent, from N4, 500 to N145. The governor is leading by example and so many other states have followed this very positive approach to telecoms infrastructure build out.

In celebrating the governor, ALTON wrote in a letter of appreciation dated, May 19, 2020: “This is a laudable decision, which would not only reduce the costs of deployment of telecommunication infrastructure in the State but also significantly encourage ICT development in the State and in turn improve the ability of telecommunication operators to support the Federal Government’s target of achieving 70% broadband penetration by 2025.

“As rightly noted by His Excellency, the decision would create an enabling environment for businesses, ensure ease of doing business in the State, and facilitate the provision of reliable and affordable broadband connectivity to the people in the State. In addition, the decision is expected to further attract investments for the development of telecommunication infrastructure in the State in line with the ease of doing business initiative and ultimately boost socio-economic activities and the internally generated revenue of the State,” ALTON gushed.

Let me now explain why the oriki got trapped in broken tongues. While Fayemi was giving an Executive Order to attract telecom operators to the state, with encomiums pouring in from far and wide, the Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service (EKIRS) was paving the path of contradiction, leading the state away from a new dawn of development, to a past where less than average was seen as perfection. Anachronism has a seat in governance sometimes and only the bold can dislodge it.

While the ALTON letter of May 19, 2020, to Fayemi serenaded him to no end, another letter dated June 2, 2020, wasn’t that very salutary. Instead the letter titled: Introduction of New Fees and Charges on Telecommunication Infrastructure in Ekiti State – Request for Your Urgent Intervention, was to seek the quick intervention of the governor in resolving a cocktail of taxes slammed on telecom operators in EKiti State. Should I say a plethora of taxes! I am looking for the right word to describe the development but perhaps you can merge the two. I am sure like drug in the veins, for the addicts, a mixture of the two words can produce the kind of concoction that will be very damaging to the health of telecoms business in Ekiti State.

Here are the charges being canvassed by EKIRS and for which the operators are being pressured. They include: Building/Planning Permit for each BTS/Mast – N1, 350, 000; RoW Charges per Linear Metre – N2, 500; Inspection/Project Management Fee per BTS/Mast – N135, 000; Annual Administrative Charges per BTS/Mast – N180, 000; and Annual Maintenance Access Fee per Linear Metre – N 300 (applicable to existing fibre ducts and cables laid in any road across the state).
The ALTON letter to Fayemi points out the inconsistency in the charges of the tax drivers and how their actions fly in the face of a state and federal government trumpeting ease of doing business with intent to attract investors to state and country. ALTON argues that such charges will invalidate government’s effort in achieving the 70 per cent broadband penetration target stipulated in the Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020 –2025.

My simple question is: What is happening in Ekiti State? How can the governor and EKIRS be running in opposite directions? On the RoW reduction the governor demonstrated strength in leadership and decision making. What really is happening? Has Fayemi fallen for the filthy lucre that telecoms yields the highest returns in taxes and therefore abort his long term dream for the state?

Engr Adebayo describes the development as giving something with the smallest finger and taking it back with the whole hand. What a grotesque way of withdrawing a gift? The wider implications are not very good; not for the state and not for the telecommunications industry.
This is the time for Fayemi to backtrack, reappraise the situation and reload in order to regain full strength to execute his dreams for Ekiti State. As the chairman of the Governors Forum, his actions should encourage colleagues like Zulum that what he plans to do with MTN is the right thing to do for a people living in a country that is starved of empathetic leadership.
Okoh Aihe writes from Abuja

September 16, 2020
Ekiti cabinet shake-up: Fayemi drops two commissioners, demotes five others

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has relieved the Commissioner for Health, Dr Mojisola Yaya-Kolade and its counterpart in Environment, Gbenga Agbeyo of their appointments.

Fayemi appointed eight new members screened by the Funminiyi Afuye led-House of Assembly in a major cabinet reshuffle on Monday.

The eight new commissioners were Barr. Akin Omole (Information); Dr Oyebanji Filani (Health); Mr Akin Oyebode (Finance and Economic Development); Prince Olabode Adetoyi (Agriculture and Food Security); Otunba Oladiran Adesua (Housing and Urban Development).

Others included; Dr Olabimpe Aderiye (Education,); Alhaja Mariam Ogunlade (Women Affairs and Social Development); and Mrs. Iyabode Fakunle-Okhiemen (Environment and Natural Resources).

Fayemi also approved the demotion of four commissioners and reassigned them new portfolios as Special Advisers.

They are ex-commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Moji Fafure, (SA Gender Empowerment), former commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Olabode Folorunsho (SA Community Development), and ex-commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr Olusoga Davies (SA Political Matters).

Others include ex-commissioner for Finance, Mr Ayoola Owolabi (Investment and Trade) and ex-commissioner for Education, Folusho Daramola (SA Governor’s Office).

The Governor also upgraded the Special Adviser on Trade and Investment, Mr Akintunde Oyebode to Commissioner for Finance and a former commissioner for information, Muyiwa Olumilua was moved to the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industries.

While swearing-in the eight newly appointed commissioners and seven Special Advisers at the Conference Hall of the Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti, the governor said cabinet shakeup is to create a new energy for continued efficient and effective service delivery.

He admonished them to avoid any form of distraction in the discharge of their duties, urging the new appointees to see their new public service roles as avenue to serve and not opportunity to enrich themselves.

“We must continue to strengthen our government institutions, processes to ensure we are on course with our collective vision for a greater Ekiti. This vision was imparted into our hearts and minds by our forebears and we have done well to document it into the Ekiti Development Strategy which provide for short, medium and long term plans to develop our state.

“We have recently carried out a midterm assessment of this administration and made a few changes in line with our performance and emerging reality towards refining our government agenda and strengthen our team. This account for the appointment of new people into various positions of authority in the state. It also account for the re-designation of some ministries and the creation of new bureaus.

“To those coming on board, I encourage you to imbibe our ethos which sees public office as a privilege and an opportunity for service and not an occasion for self-aggrandizement or pecuniary gain, I trust you will ensure that your conduct and performance justify the confidence we have placed in you and you will be good ambassadors of the administration in your various constituencies.

“These are very tough time indeed, our limited resources compared to our aspirations has been further complicated by the socio-economic challenged following the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

August 31, 2020
BREAKING: Ekiti Assembly suspends LG Chairman over unsolicited presidential campaign for Fayemi

The Ekiti State House of Assembly has directed the Chairman of Ikere Local Government, Hon. Femi Ayodele to step aside for investigation on an alleged disregard for extant regulations.

Mr Ayodele is reported to be canvassing support for Dr Fayemi for the 2023 presidential election through the poster which was designed with the logo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reacting to the poster which went viral, Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode claimed that he had no any knowledge of the campaign poster neither did he authorise Mr Ayodele or any person or group of persons to start a campaign on his behalf.

In a statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon.Yemisi Ayokunle said the decision of the house became necessary in order to allow for a thorough investigation into the alleged publication in the media, which she claimed was a disregard for extant regulations.

Hon. Ayokunle noted that the House had committed the matter to the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for investigation and report to the House in seven days.

August 21, 2020
Fayemi reacts as his 2023 presidential campaign posters flood online

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has reacted to his 2023 presidential campaign posters which flooded social media on Wednesday.

The posters, which went viral on social media on Wednesday had pictures carrying Fayemi’s photograph as a contestant on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Gov. Fayemi, in a statement made available by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, warned those behind the posters to stop distracting him from performing his primary duties.

The posters, which have become a subject of political debate on different social media platforms was sponsored by the Chairman of Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Mr Femi Ayodele.

The statement read in part: “The attention of Governor Kayode Fayemi, has been drawn to news reports of a campaign poster being purportedly circulated online by Femi Ayodele, the Chairman of Ikere Local Government Council.

The governor warned Mr. Ayodele and other groups canvassing support for Gov. Fayemi ahead of the 2023 presidential election through the poster which was designed with the logo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to steer clear of such actions.

“This should also serve as a note of caution to political appointees, government functionaries, political associates and groups to operate within the ambit of decency and steer clear of actions that are capable of distracting the government, the party and the governor,” the statement added.

August 20, 2020
Ekiti LG chairman floods social media with Fayemi’s 2023 presidential campaign posters

The Chairman of Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Mr Femi Ayodele has released the 2023 presidential campaign posters of Governor Kayode Fayemi on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) on social media.

The posters sponsored by the LG chairman: “Support His Excellency Dr. John Kayode Fayemi for President 2023.”

Confirming the development, Mr Ayodele, said he did the posters to show his unalloyed and uncompromising loyalty to Governor Fayemi against insinuation that he was working against him.

He said the governor is fit enough for the exalted office considering his array of outstanding credentials, administrative shrewdness and political acumen.

He added that Fayemi’s commitment, resourcefulness and pedigree puts him in good stead to lead Nigeria in the next political dispensation.

But when asked about the development, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Fayemi, Yinka Oyebode said his principal did not know anything about the posters.

Oyebode, who said the sponsor was only expressing a mere personal opinion, urged the public to discountenance the campaign posters.

He added that his principal was focused on governance and how to uplift Ekiti in terms of infrastructural, economic and social development instead of issues around 2023 elections.

The Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Segun Dipe, had earlier on May 5 denied that Fayemi was nursing a presidential ambition towards 2023.

The governor’s aide said such claim was misrepresentation of Fayemi’s conduct and personality.

August 19, 2020
Fayemi orders random COVID-19 test for teachers, students

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has directed a random sampling test for COVID-19 infection of students and teachers to assess their risk level ahead of resumption.

The Governor expressed optimism that COVID-19 protocols would be strictly adhered to as SS3 class preparing for West African Examinations Council (WAEC) will resume August 10, while resumption date for JSS 3 students and Primary 6 pupils would be announced later.

Fayemi, in a state wide broadcast on Wednesday, disclosed that parents of the resuming students are to provide their wards with at least two face masks each as a prerequisite for admittance into their school premises.

The governor who expressed concern over an increase in the rate of infection in the last one month in the state with 109 fresh cases, advised the people of the state to learn from his COVID-19 infection and accept the reality of the pandemic.

The Governor recalled that Ekiti State had 43 positive cases with 28 treated and discharged while only 13 were active cases at the beginning of July but the state now has a total number of 152 cases at last count, an increase of 109 cases in one month.

Fayemi attributed increase in cases to the random community testing exercise which was made possible with facilities at the state-owned laboratory and the proximity to States with high incidences of confirmed infections; noting that lessons have been learnt from his experience with his own infection and isolation for ten days.

He said: “The fact that I could contract the virus in spite of the conscious effort to protect myself and people around me underscores my consistent warnings that we should never take things for granted. It also proves that indeed the virus is real and here, and that it is a respecter of no persons.

“That is why I have always maintained that we cannot be vigilant enough until we have collectively come to the end of this pandemic. I therefore implore you, dear compatriots, to take extra measures to ensure that you keep yourself safe.

“The second lesson to learn from my experience is that the virus is not a death sentence. The key weapons is early detection (through testing), isolation and treatment. From our experience, we have successfully treated and discharged 67 cases in Ekiti today while we still have about 83 active cases.”

On reopening of worship centres, Fayemi said: “The Task Force leadership have told me that many religious worship centres are now ready and should be able to reopen for service according to the established protocols from August 14, 2020.

“I want to appeal to religious centres as moral agents and institutions reputed for discipline. They must ensure the jointly agreed protocols are adhered to, to protect lives of worshipers as they go about their activities from August 14, 2020.

“Key aspects of the protocols include but are not limited to the following: fumigation of the worship centres and their surroundings, maintenance of social distancing of six-feet apart during worship, provision of infrared thermometer, provision of hand sanitizers and ensuring the windows and doors are wide open.

“The protocols also implicate that there should be no multiple services, and services must be concluded within two hours while children below 12 years of age and elderly people above 65 are not allowed to attend services or Salat until further notice. An attendance register must be provided by each worship centre to record attendance.

“For the avoidance of doubt, only Friday Jumat for Muslims, Saturday Sabbath for Adventists and Sunday Services for other Christian denominations are allowed. Weekly and vigil services are not to hold in the meanwhile. Similarly all traditional worships of festivals that demand large gathering of devotees are suspended until further notice.”

August 5, 2020
South West Govs, Tinubu, others bid Pa Fasanmi farewell in Ekiti

Eminent Nigerians on Tuesday paid tributes to the late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Fasanmi, as his remains were interred in his country home in Iye Ekiti, Ilejemeje Local Government Area of Ekiti.

Fasanmi, a Second Republic Senator, died on July 29 at the age of 94.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the casket conveying Fasanmi’s corpse was brought to the community in a white jeep for the funeral service held at Saint John’s Anglican Church, Iye Ekiti.

Ekiti Governor Kayode Fayemi said Fasanmi’s contributions to the development of democracy was immeasurable, particularly his role in the formation and operation of the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) that fought the military.

The governor disclosed that his government was already constructing a secondary school to honour the deceased for his contributions to the state before his death.

” My only regret is that he has left us before the school will be officially inaugurated for academic activities when schools finally reopen,” Fayemi said.

Fayemi, in his tribute entitled, “‘Tribute to a Man of Integrity,” said what attracted him to the deceased was his integrity.

“His death has, therefore, robbed me of a godfather, counsellor, an advocate and a father. A good man has left us.

” We will sorely miss him but we are consoled that he was dedicated to selfless service,” he said.

Fayemi added that Fasanmi belonged in the class of the youths of the 1950s when the nationalist movement was at its feverish peak.

He noted that the deceased got indoctrinated into nationalism struggle through the writings of Dr Nnamdi Azikwe and his contemporaries.

“He proved his political mettle in 1964 when he was elected as a member of the Federal House of Representatives before 1966 and he got imprisoned in Agodi Prison and was later released.

“He offered to serve as governor of the old Ondo state in 1978 and slugged it out with Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin who defeated him in the primary.

“One legacy for which Baba would be fondly remembered was his credential of incorruptibility. He was a man of tall integrity and honesty.

“It would be recalled that he was the first to start the Anti-Bribery and Corruption Committee in 1973 under Col. Oluwole Rotimi of the Western Region.

“Chief Ayo Fasanmi has come, he has seen and conquered. He conquered human cravings, vanity of power, ostentation, greed and malice,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Southwest Governors, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, said the news of the passage of the icon was a loss to the Yoruba and Nigeria at large.

“Baba living long for 94 years was not what we are celebrating, but we are celebrating how many lives he had impacted on. He lived an impactful life.

“He was not petty but he spoke truth, lived a remarkable life and was one politician who became senator and came home to rest,” he said.

The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Special Adviser on Civic Engagements, Aderemi Adebowale, said Fasanmi’s influence became more pronounced by his incorruptible nature.

The All Progressives Congress National leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Abiodun Ogunleye, said Nigerians must learn from the late politician who lived a modest and spartan lifestyle.

Tinubu described Fasanmi as a revolutionary and a politician of outstanding mien, civility and character who was worthy of being emulated .

In his sermon, the Bishop of Ekiti Oke, Anglican Communion, Peter Olubowale, said Fasanmi was not a noise maker and trouble maker during his time.

The cleric urged the people to continually do good to humanity the way Fasanmi did to his family, political associates , friends and companions.

“We need to be available to ourselves and committed to God. Nigerians are number one people in the world that are easy to govern with patience, zeal and endurance.

“Baba has told us that all these monies you are spending and the one you are keeping inside bullion vans and the ones being stashed in banks accounts are all vanity.

” Use the position you are occupying very well to develop humanity. This is the only way you can gain eternity because materialism will lead you to hell fire,” he said.

August 4, 2020
We’ll give Pa Fasanmi befitting burial despite COVID-19 – Fayemi

The governor of Ekiti State, Mr Kayode Fayemi has revealed what the government will do in respect of Pa Ayo Fasanmi burial that was fixed for August 4 at St John Cathedral, Iye-Ekiti.

The governor made the disclosure in Osogbo capital of Osun on Saturday morning when he came to commiserate with the family of late Pa Ayo Fasanmi who died on Wednesday evening.

Fayemi who was represented by the Chairman of Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission and a leader of All Progressives Congress, Mr Samuel Abejide revealed that he came on behalf of the governor to condole with the family.

He described Pa Fasanmi as an asset to Nigeria democracy saying, “Papa Fasanmi lived a fulfilled life of honesty, sincerity that worth been emulated by an oncoming generation. Papa will always be adored by most of us coming after him.

“He was an asset in every ramification of his life. An epitome of honesty, integrity, sincerity and above all, a man who is courageous in all phases of his life. I am here to condole with the family of Pa Fasanmi on behalf of the Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi.”

He said burying the late Fasanmi in Ekiti State is a homecoming for the state government.

However, he lamented that the current COVID-19 would be a very big hindrance to the state in giving him a befitting burial.

He furthered that Pa Fasanmi burial should be showcased to the world because of his contribution to the country.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the state will still do his burial within the confinement of COVID-19 safety protocols and guidelines.

His words: “As a father, his burial in Ekiti State is a homecoming for us. Ekiti as a state would have showcased the burial and would have loved to give him a befitting burial arrangement but with the COVID-19 pandemic… Despite that, we will still do the burial within the confinement of the law.”

“Immediately Governor Kayode Fayemi heard of Pa Fasanmi demise, preparation has been on top gear to give him befitting burial because he is a one of his son in politics. Ekiti State executives would decide on how Pa Ayo Fasanmi will be immortalized,” he ended.

August 1, 2020