Tag: Fayose

  • ‘Don’t send Buhari to his early grave’ Fayose warns presidency

    Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose on Wednesday condemned Buhari’s cancellation of the Federal Executive Council meeting, while urging the presidency to allow him [Buhari] resign, go back to Daura and take a good rest.

    Fayose who was speaking to leaders of the Peoples’ Democratic Party at the government office said he stands by all his claims about the President being in coma on July 6, warned that the Presidency should not send Buhari to his early grave by their many lies.

    Reiterating his call for President Buhari’s resignation, he said : “If not for our efforts Buhari wouldn’t have returned now. Buhari is sick and tired and even his physical appearance betrayed this and he needs to go home and rest.”

    “Today, they have cancelled the Federal Executive Council meeting. You cannot hide the truth forever, it will reveal itself someday. You cannot continue to deceive Nigerians. ”

    Every word that has come out of my mouth before the President returns, I have no apology for them. President Buhari was indeed in coma and one of those who visited him said his recovery is a miracle,that shows that he was indeed very sick. ”

    “Let Buhari go back to Daura and rest. Don’t send him to early grave. Buhari is not old enough to be my father, my mother is older than Buhari, he cannot be my father, he can only be my uncle. I am close to 60. I stand by all I have said about the President. We are glad he is back, but don’t over flog him.

    “I am not a sycophant and I stand to speak for Nigeria. Somebody must be able to speak on behalf of the poor masses. This was how they deceived us during the time of Yar’Adua. I am not an hypocrite and I will never be one.

    This country deserves a very healthy person. The office of the president is not for a sick man. The president is tired and should be allowed to resign and go and rest. ”

    Everything I said when the President was away, I stand by them. The president actually went into coma and this was attested to by what one of the governors who visited him when he was abroad said that his recovery was a miracle. When somebody’s recovery is a miracle it simply means something very serious happened to the person.

    “since the President himself cannot disclose his health status and also the extent of his ailment, it apparently shows that there is so much to hide. Not until civil societies and people like us started making noise.

    You can’t be our president without us knowing what is happening to you. So, for me, the president went to coma July 6. Today, they can come back and organise rallies and all that; they attested to the fact the President recovered by miracle which we are glad about. We are happy th at he is back But when you look physically look at the President he is physically.

    You will see that he is emaciated tired and weak. ” You don’t have to be president at all cost, when you are tired. You go home. I don’t want to talk about 2019′ but I want to tell you that Nigeria needs a president that is agile and strong.

    The job is too much for an individual that does not have what it takes. It is a common saying that health is wealth. Everything is about health. We wish him well and we want him to recover but the President should throw in the towel , resign and go home. ” You see they said he would come back and resume in his office, he resumed in his office , they said rats have taken over his office! A presidential office, rats took over his office! ”

    Now they said he is working from home, tomorrow, they would say he is coming from bedroom. All these stories are ending up in a make believe. In a country where you have so much to do, I m not going to be a sycophants here. I am going to be on the side of the common man, the President is tired. I feel for the president like every other elderly persons, or even people who are not elderly.

    They could be sick. But when it comes to th e issue of governing a country. There is so much responsibility to this and we must equally be able to stand up and say if the president does not have what it takes to continue, he should throw in the towel.

    Asked if he would oblige if invited to see Buhari, Fayose said: ” I cannot go and greet the president if invited and the reason is that such action would be misinterpreted to be something else.

    So, it is good for me to wish him well from a distant and be able to tell Nigerians the truth” Denying that he ever said he would commit suicide should Buhari returns home as being speculated in the social media, he said: ” I can’t commit suicide because of an old man. Such are from miscreants on the social media. Let me tell you expressly, why would I commit suicide? I cannot commit suicide because of my mother.

    Even if they are burying my mother now, I will cleverly stay away from the grave so that I won’t fall into it. I can’t commit suicide because of Buhari. I never said that and will never made such statement. Truth is that the pressure from me and many other Nigerians made the president to return home.

    They have been treating this matter under the table forgetting that the life of a president is an open book that can be read by everybody and anybody. What I am saying in effect is that it is in the overall interest of everybody that we have a president that is strong enough to do the job, ” Fayose insisted.

  • ‘Welcome home, people are hungry, give them food, development’ – Fayose tells Buhari

    Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his return from London where he was on medical vacation treating an undisclosed ailment for 103 days.

    Fayose who also doubles as the Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, however, reminded the president that Nigerians are hungry not only for food but for development.

    Fayose urged the Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) federal government to face governance squarely and deliver the gains of democracy to the people.

    “We are happy that President Buhari is back. It is a welcome development but Nigerians are hungry, they need food, they need development. We in PDP know what is right for Nigerians, democracy is strengthened by opposition. APC should face governance squarely and give Nigerians democratic dividends,’’ he said.

    The governor spoke Monday at Asaba International Airport shortly after a meeting between him and Governors Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Nyesom Wike of Rivers and the Secretary, PDP Caretaker Committee, Senator Ben Obi, en route to Anambra for the party’s governorship primary.

    He stressed that governors elected on the platform of the PDP are committed to working together with the party leadership with a view to repositioning the party and eventually winning the 2019 national election

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Buhari returned to the country on Saturday, August 19 after leaving the shores on the country on May 7.

     

  • I never said I will commit suicide if Buhari returns – Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has denied ever saying he would commit suicide if President Muhammadu Buhari returned to Nigeria arrive.

    Mr. Buhari returned from London, Saturday, where he had been on medical vacation for over 100 days.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Idowu Adelusi, told newsmen yesterday that the statement was a “creation of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the state.”

    “Mr. Fayose never said he would commit suicide if the President returns to the country,” he insisted.

    “It is the creation of the APC. It is their style to create such falsehood.”

    He said, instead, the governor had wished the president well and had joined others in praying for him.

    While celebrating the arrival of Mr. President at a rally in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, the APC highlighted the alleged vow by Mr. Fayose to commit suicide if the President returned to the country.

    The governor, a vocal critic of the president and his party, the APC, was quoted as saying, “I will commit suicide if Buhari comes back alive.

    Mr. Fayose’s media aides had blamed the rumour on the handiwork of the Buhari propaganda machinery.

    Mr. Fayose’s Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, had in his reaction, same day the quote emerged, debunked the statement.

    “Kindly disregard this statement, as it did not emanate from Governor Fayose,” he had said.

    “It is their usual way of shifting the people’s attention from the real question Nigerians are asking, as to the whereabouts of the President. At no time was such statement made by the governor.”

  • Fayose prayed for Buhari’s death – Herdsmen

    …demands public apology from governor

    …threatens legal action

    Fulani Herdsmen, under the aegis of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, on Monday accused Governor Ayodele Fayose of praying for the death of President Muhammadu Buhari who returned to the country on Saturday after 103 days in London receiving treatments for undisclosed ailments.

    The group also threatened to institute legal action against Fayose for making disparaging and uncomplimentary statements on Buhari’s health.

    The National Coordinator of the body, Alhaji Garus Gololo, who disclosed this at a news conference in Makurdi, asked Fayose to immediately tender an unreserved apology to all Nigerians and Buhari, otherwise, Fulani herdsmen would take legal action against him.

    Gololo said that Fayose abandoned his constitutional duty of providing good governance to his people, which he was elected for, to attack Buhari while on a hospital bed.

    He said, “We MACBA have met at our level here and resolved that the Ekiti State governor should publicly apologise to Nigeria’s President who he had mocked and made several comments he is not morally and professionally supposed to.

    “We know that while other Nigerians were praying for PMB quick recovery, Fayose was praying for Mr. President to die. He even went ahead asking people to begin to address him as the next president of Nigeria while Buhari is still alive, but thank God, Buhari did not die.

    “So, our president is back to the country to continue with the governance of Nigeria. It is now our turn to demand Fayose to apologize or we will go after him legally.”

    He maintained that those who said Buhari is dead have seen him alive addressing Nigerians.

    The coordinator welcomed the President back home and reminded him of the need to be focused on the fight against corruption and securing Nigeria from those he described as enemies of progress who do not mean well for this country.

    Gololo also sympathised with the Benue State governor, the government and people of the state over the killing of the principal special assistant to the governor on Knowledge economy and investments, Dr. Tavershima Adyorough.

  • 2019: PDP didn’t endorse Fayose’s presidential ambition – Makarfi

    The Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi has explained why the party is yet to endorse Governor Ayodele Fayose’s presidential ambition.

    Recall TheNewsGuru reported yesterday that Fayose declared himself as Nigeria’s president in-waiting.

    But speaking with the Punch, Makarfi said the party would only decide who to support during its next elective convention.

    He said, “There were many people at the convention who indicated their political interests at the convention. It was not only Fayose. There were two other former governors who had posters about their bids. The convention was not elective and has nothing to do with the endorsement of anybody.

    “There were also posters of those eyeing governorship and other positions. Would you say they were also endorsed? A convention is like a merrymaking ground where supporters come in to show their support.”

    On the leadership tussle with his rival, Ali Modu Sheriff, the party leader said he bears no grudges against Sheriff.

    Makarfi, a former governor of Kaduna State said the party wont expel Sheriff except he wants to leave on his own.

    He added, “It is not up to us for him to remain here. It is his choice. Many people, who are his supporters, were at the convention. They participated in various committees at the convention. Individuals will make their personal decision.

  • Fayose declares self as ‘President in-waiting’

    Fayose declares self as ‘President in-waiting’

    Prior to the arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari’s from London on Saturday, Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose had declared himself as Nigeria’s president in-waiting.

    He spoke at the Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo –the Taraba State capital during the funeral service of former Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai.

    The Ekiti governor came when all other dignitaries were seated and the occasion had begun.

    He waved at the gathering, acknowledging cheers which briefly interrupted the service.

    He wore a white garment with brief arms and white half-shoe to match.

    As he strode in, some people initially had mistaken him for former President Goodluck Jonathan, in spite of their stark difference in body frame and height.

    Leading Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gombe State and Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong to the podium to offer their condolences and tributes, Fayose stirred a melodrama. Twice, he called himself president in-waiting.

    He humorously thanked the moderator, GT Kataps for giving him the chance to step on the podium.

    “Thank you for giving me the chance. Maybe I am the president in-waiting,” he said. There was a thunder of laughter and cheers from the audience.

    As he made his speech, members of a women choral group began to make noise. “Women should not make noise, especially when a president in-waiting is talking,” he said. Again, he was cheered up by fans.

    He based his tribute on “courage and fearlessness” which he is known for, which were also attributes of late former Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai.

    But when it was the turn of the Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong to speak, he told Fayose that there was no qualm since his presidency was a waiting type.

    Lalong said: “Thank God you are a waiting president. You will wait for my President, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; he is returning today; you will welcome him.”

    It was a few hours after Lalong’s speech that President Buhari arrived the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

  • Ishaku, Fayose, others mourn as ex-gov, Suntai is laid to rest

    The remains of the former Governor of Taraba, Danbaba Suntai was laid to rest on Saturday in his hometown, Suntai in Bali Local Government Area of the state amidst tears and eulogies.

    Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba, described the late Suntai, as an epitome of humility with great sense of humour and passion for the development of the state.

    Ishaku, however, thanked all Nigerians, especially those who stood by the late governor during his trying moment and in death.

    He said that the love they showed him was a great source of strength to the family and the people of the state.

    The governor urged Suntai’s family to be consoled by the legacies and virtues of the late icon, who he said would be remembered by people for what he believed and stood for.

    Earlier, Gov. Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti, urged the people of Taraba to imbibe the virtues of Suntai. Fayose said they should imbibe his virtues and continue to promote the good things he stood for while alive for the development of the state and country.

    In his remarks, Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe said the late governor did well for the people of the state.

    The President of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), Most Rev. Musa Philibus, at the funeral service, enjoined Nigerians to live a life of service to humanity. Philibus said that Nigerians should bear in mind that all must die to give account of their stewardship to God.

    “There is glory and happiness in death when we live a life that pleases God. “We should think about pleasing God rather thinking of how to bring others down in order to get to the top,’’ he said.

    The funeral was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, including Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau and the immediate past governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam.

    Others were the First Executive Governor of Taraba, Rev. Jolly Nyame, the pioneer military governor of Taraba CP Ambrose Afolahan, representatives of the governors of Adawawa, Benue and Nasarawa as well as some National Assembly members among others.

    The deceased, who was aged 55, died on June 28, in the USA where he was recuperating from treatment he sustained injuries when a private aircraft he was flying crashed on October 25, 2012 in Yola. He was the governor of the state between 2007 and 2015.

  • You must apologise to Nigerians for hate speeches made in the past, Fayose tells Buhari, APC

    Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has the President Muhammadu Buhari led All Progressives Congress, APC, administration must apologise to Nigerians for issuing several hate speeches in the past before categorizing it as an act of terrorism.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo had on Thursday said the the Federal Government had drawn a line on hate speech and would treat it as an act of terrorism.

    Fayose revealed this in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Friday, by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka.

     

    The statement read: “I wish to express concern over the pronouncement of the Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo that hate speech will henceforth be treated as terrorism.

    “While I am totally against hate speech and will support any effort to curb it, it is important to caution the federal government on the danger inherent in the blanket categorisation of hate speech as treasonable.

    “I make bold to say that saying the truth concerning the country and its rulers cannot be termed as hate speech.

    “I only hope Nigeria is not being systematically returned to the colonial days when the law of sedition was used to jail many of those who fought for our independence or the era of Buhari’s military regime when the notorious Public Officers (Protection against False accusation) Decree 4 of 1984 was used to jail Tunde Thompson and NdukaIrabor, both of The Guardian newspapers for publishing what the government termed as false.

    “Most importantly, going by the APC government’s use of the so-called anti-corruption fight to harass, intimidate, arrest and detain opposition figures, there is no doubt that categorising whatever that is termed as hate speech as act of terrorism is unconstitutional and an attempt to gag Nigerians, especially the press.

    “It should therefore not be seen that since the use of corruption to harass, arrest and detain opposition figures is no longer fashionable, hate speech will now be another instrument of oppression to be used against the opposition.

    “The questions that must be answered by the federal government are; what constitutes hate speech and who determines it? Has the Presidency becomes law unto itself such that it is now the one to determine what is an offense and what punishment to be applied?

    “From all intent and purposes, the Acting President pronouncement which is obviously not backed by any legislation is an attempt to provide reasons for an impending clampdown on opposition and Nigerians will resist any attempt to mortgage their fundamental rights to freedom of expression under the guise of hate speeches.

    “When the APC was looking for power, several provocative statements were made. Nigerians are yet to forget President Buhari’s “the dog and the baboon would all be soaked in blood” hate speeches and the threat by the APC to form a parallel government.

    “What can be more treasonable than these statements made by President Buhari and his party?

    “It is also on record that during the 2011 election campaign, President Buhari’s inciting statement led to widespread violence by his supporters in the North after he lost. Over 1000 people were slaughtered in cold blood, including innocent National Youth Service Corp members.

    “Therefore, even if the APC government is sincere with its new found hatred for hate speeches, the APC government must first apologise to Nigerians for being the number one promoter and beneficiary of hate speech.

    “Also, rather than this blanket criminalising of hate speeches, the federal government should embark on reorientation of Nigerians, especially the youths on the consequences of hate speeches to the unity of the country while the confidence of the people in the ‎government (at all levels) must be restored.”

  • ‘I may not be relevant today if Jonathan had won second term in 2015’ – Fayose

    …Says we want reconciliation in PDP, not dissidents

    Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State on Wednesday said he might not be this accepted and popular if President Goodluck Jonathan had won the 2015 presidential election which was won by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Fayose also noted that although the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was pursuing reconciliation among members, dissidents were not welcome.

    Fayose said this in Ado-Ekiti at the reconciliation meeting for members from the Oyo and Osun chapters of the party.

    The governor, who is the chairman of the reconciliation committee in the zone, said that the meeting was the outcome of the recently conducted non-elective national convention.

    “The leaders have mandated us to bring on those who are ready to support our great party in the drive to chart a new way forward.

    “In doing this, we won’t give room for dissidents to frustrate us and our efforts.

    “Some people are claiming to be members of our party and at the same time going to court to frustrate the party

    “They tried unsuccessfully to stop the last convention using the court but they failed woefully.

    “There is no room for anybody who is one leg in and one leg out. It is either you are here or there

    “I am sure no judge would allow himself to be used as a spoiler by some filthy politicians

    “Sanctions will be imposed on errant members and those who are loyal party members and are working for the progress of the party have nothing to fear,’’ he said.

    Fayose said that the success of the party’s non-elective convention was an indication that there was hope for a new Nigeria.

    The opposition, the governor said, must be organised for the sake of democracy in the country.

    “For us to be organised, we need to shift ground where necessary. Whoever loses out today, may win tomorrow

    “In my situation, after leaving office, God still brought me here as the governor of my state.

    “If President Goodluck Jonathan had won a second term, I may not be relevant like I am today.

    “My appeal to you is that don’t allow anybody to use you for evil in our party,” he said.