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Tag: Fayose

  • Fayose labasts DSS over detention of Ifeanyi Ubah

    Fayose labasts DSS over detention of Ifeanyi Ubah

    Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has condemned the Department of State Services (DSS) arrest and detention of the Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Ifeanyi Ubah, lamenting that, “the DSS is becoming law unto itself and dragging Nigeria back to 1984 when Decree 2 was used by the National Security Organisation (NSO) to dump Nigerians in detention without trial under flimsy excuses.”

    The governor, who described the DSS claim that it arrested and detained Ubah for inciting members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union to stop lifting petroleum products so as to cripple the economy and cause untold hardship to Nigerians as “nonsensical”, added that; “It is becoming obvious that if nothing is done to curb the lawlessness of the DSS, the agency will singlehandedly truncate democracy in the country.”

    In a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka,

    Governor Fayose said arresting and detaining Ifeanyi Ubah for economic sabotage was a sad reminder of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s
    military regime.

    He said under the State Security Act CAP. N 74 LFN, 2004, the responsibility of the DSS is majorly the prevention and detection within Nigeria of any crime against the internal security of Nigeria and the protection and preservation of all non-military classified matters concerning the internal security of Nigeria, noting that the service has abandoned its core duties.
    “If Ubah is being held for allegedly inciting members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union to stop lifting petroleum products, one day and very soon too, members of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) will be sent to jail for going on strike to agitate for their welfare,” the governor said.

    Governor Fayose, who said Nigerians did not vote for change to be hounded by the DSS as it is being done since the emergence of this All
    Progressives Congress (APC) government, noted that; “That’s the same way the DSS arrested the former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel
    Suswan in February and detained him until two days ago, claiming that he constituted security risk and failed to cooperate with investigators.

    “The other time too, this same DSS claimed that it uncovered plot by the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Wike to disrupt governance in strategic federal government agencies and one can begin to imagine if the DSS won’t one day accuse whoever that is perceived as opposing the APC-led government of coup plot.”

    Speaking further, Governor Fayose said; “Nigerians should be reminded that I raised alarm when this regime of impunity started with the invasion of the Akwa-Ibom State government house and later the Ekiti State House of Assembly. I did say then that democracy in Nigeria was becoming unsafe in the hands of this APC government and that those keeping silent because of politics might also end up in the belly of the roaring lion that was threatening to consume our democracy.

    “Those who ought to have joined in condemning the DSS impunity at that time kept silent for fear of the unknown.

    “Now it is Ifeanyi Ubah that they have visited with their tyranny, who knows who will be next?

    “Well-meaning Nigerians and the international community must therefore raise their voice in condemnation of this regime of tyranny being ran be the DSS.”

  • Released Chibok girls used to divert attention from Buhari’s health – Fayose

    Released Chibok girls used to divert attention from Buhari’s health – Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has insisted that the release of 82 Chibok girls by Boko Haram is aimed at diverting attention from President Muhammadu Buhari’s health.

    In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, Fayose said Buhari resorted to “flying dubious kites and selling cheap dummies” to distract the people.

    The Governor also insisted that the Chibok girls were not abducted.

    “What is not missing cannot be found… discerning Nigerians understand that the stories do not add up.

    “Right now, a matter of urgent national importance arresting the attention of all and sundry is that of the president’s health.

    “While I continue to pray, in conjunction with other Nigerians, for the president’s quick recovery, I condemn without equivocation this shameless playing on the intelligence and psyche of Nigerians taking undue advantage of the vexed issue of the so-called Chibok girls.

    “It has become the style of this government to distract attention but the truth will be told some day.

    “The questions are: Which Chibok girls are they talking about? Chibok girls who purportedly were writing Physics WAEC examinations but cannot speak simple English? Chibok girls who were shielded from the media? Till today the media have not been allowed access to the so-called Chibok girls.

    “When is the next batch of Chibok girls coming? When is the next make-believe?

    “When there is the need for another cover-up, distraction and diversion of the people’s attention and focus, they will fly their usual kite and sell the self-same jaded dummy,” he said.

    Fayose said it was sad that Nigerians refused to heed his warning on not electing Buhari.

    “It is very unfortunate that we brought ourselves to this sorry pass. I sounded warnings which, unfortunately, were not heeded.

    “The intolerance of this government and the way they are trampling people’s rights, and abridging their freedoms and liberties bring echoes of the dictatorship and autocracy of Gen. Buhari’s first coming in 1985.

    “But, then, there will be a new dawn for Nigeria very soon. Keep hope alive because there will be a new dawn in our country sooner than later. The hunger and suffering in the land are at an unprecedented level right now while the cluelessness and incompetence of this government beggars believe”, he added.

    Buhari has left the country again after 59 days, for further medical check-ups in UK.

  • May Day: Labour decorates Fayose as ‘Comrade Governor’, promises to clear salary arrears

    May Day: Labour decorates Fayose as ‘Comrade Governor’, promises to clear salary arrears

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ekiti State chapter on Monday decorated Governor Ayodele Fayose with the title of ‘Comrade Governor’ for his proactive measures in protecting the lives and properties of residents of the state.

    Giving reasons for honouring the governor, the state’s NLC Vice Chairman, Comrade Richard Olugbenga Adeniyi ‎said: “The governor earned this award as Comrade Governor, this goes beyond payment of salaries. Go to other states where there is Fulani herdsmen’s menace, see the destruction being done there and compare with Ekiti. Our Governor has taken a pro-active step to nip the menace in the bud.

    ”His promotion of over 15000 workers is highly commendable. That number is over 30 percent of workers in the state. He has also ensured peace by securing the state. There is also educational advancement. He has brought honour to Ekiti State. He has given empowerment to our women, farmers, artisans and other trade union organisations has cushioned the effects of recession for families.”

    Appreciating the workers for their patience and perseverance, governor Fayose said: “I have taken time to listen to your demands. It has been the same, your welfare and wellbeing, only thing I have added is taking you along in everything I do. I have not hidden anything from you.

    ”I am a governor who lays bare all the allocation coming to states to labour leaders every month so that you can defend me when the need arises.

    ”No governor would come after me and abolish that transparency legacy I am leaving behind. During my first term, I used to pay workers at the 25th of every month. It is because of the debts left behind by past administration. I don’t want to dwell on past errors and I promise you, I won’t owe a kobo by the time I will be leaving office. God will provide the money as I believe this strongly.

    ”I have taken the FG to court so they can explain how they would be paying back the bonds they borrow. We must work against the greediness of the FG.

    ”The problem today is to my surprise, fuel money is increasing but our allocation is decreasing. The FG is adding our money to foreign reserve, we don’t need that now. They should share the money to us so we can meet up our responsibility.

    ”How can a Federal government borrow 30 billion when our foreign reserve itself is about that amount.

    ”I will continue to work assiduously to ensure the progress of Ekiti. We will develop the state so immensely that you will be very proud of the state by the time we are leaving. Ensure that you support this government. Lagos state is working very well because the state is succeeding itself. When you have succession, this laudable projects will continue. All that I am doing will be consolidated if you elect someone from our party to succeed me. If you do otherwise, they would use vendetta to spoil our good works.

    ”Whether they kill PDP or not does not concern us. Be assured that I am a smart boy, a street boy, I am playing my own cards against theirs. In line with our agreement with labour leaders, we have started deducting N10 million into the state accounts, when it is N100 million we will begin to pay it out.

  • IPOB names Fayose honorary Governor of Biafra

    IPOB names Fayose honorary Governor of Biafra

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has named Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, as the honorary Governor of Biafra Republic.

    This was contained in a statement released on Sunday, where IPOB thanked Fayose for his solidarity towards Nnamdi Kanu.

    The statement was signed by the media and publicity secretary of the group, Comrade Emma Powerful.

    “We also acknowledge the immense contributions of the honorary Biafran Gov. Ayodele Fayose who did what no South East or South South governor had the courage to do,” it read.

    IPOB also commended former Aviation Ministers, Osita Chidoka and Femi Fani-Kayode, Professors Chukwuma Soludo and Pat Utomi, Senators Ike Ekweremadu and Enyinnaya Abaribe and others for their support in the release of Kanu.

  • Fayose did what other S/East, S/South Govs dare not – IPOB

    …names him honourary Governor of Biafra Republic

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Sunday said Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State was fearless and courageous in identifying with the struggles of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, a feat it said governors from the South East, South South (who are more concerned) region did not have the audacity to do.

    It therefore named Fayose the honorary Governor of Biafra Republic.

    This was contained in a statement released on Sunday, where IPOB thanked Fayose for his solidarity towards Nnamdi Kanu.

    The statement was signed by the media and publicity secretary of the group, Comrade Emma Powerful.

    “We also acknowledge the immense contributions of the honorary Biafran Gov. Ayodele Fayose who did what no South East or South South governor had the courage to do,” it read.

    IPOB also commended former Aviation Ministers, Osita Chidoka and Femi Fani-Kayode, Professors Chukwuma Soludo and Pat Utomi, Senators Ike Ekweremadu and Enyinnaya Abaribe and others for their support in the release of Kanu.

    TheNewsGuru.com recalls that Kanu regained his freedom on Friday after spending close to two years in detention by the Federal Government.

    He was driven out of the detention facility by former transportation minister Osita Chidoka after perfecting his bail conditions.

     

  • Obasanjo begged me to treat Fayose softly, says Ribadu

    Obasanjo begged me to treat Fayose softly, says Ribadu

    Former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has revealed that contrary to claims by Gov. Ayo Fayose of Ekiti, former president, Olusegun Obasanjo begged him to go softly on the governor in the period when the commission laid siege on him.

    Ribadu made the disclosure yesterday in Lagos when former associates of the former President converged to celebrate him on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

    Thenewsguru.com gathered that the associates who converged as “Learners of the Olusegun Obasanjo School of Nigerian Politics” included former office holders in the Obasanjo administration and some of the country’s leading names in the economy and Nollywood.

    The former anti-graft czar also swore that Obasanjo was not privy to the arrest of Globalcom chairman, Chief Mike Adenuga.

    Speaking at the occasion, Obasanjo said Ribadu probed him shortly after he was appointed.

    He said the EFCC unearthed a foreign account long used by his late wife, Stella Obasanjo.

    Obasanjo said the account which was opened by the late Stella in her maiden name before they got married was the nearest to what the former EFCC chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu could find against him.

    Obasanjo also disclosed how he gave former Police boss Tafa Balogun a 30-minute ultimatum to resign or be dismissed.

    Among those present were Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olangusoye Oyinola, former governor of Osun State, Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, Dr. (Mrs.) Dere Awosika, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Mr. Akin Osuntokun, Mallam Ahmed Yayale, Mallam Uba Sani, Dr. Doyin Okupe. Also present were Mr. Tonye Cole, Mr. Aigboje Aik-Imoukhuede, AIG Ogunsakin, Senator Kola Bajumo, Mallam Yayale Ahmed among others.

  • Biafra: Fayose, Ekweremadu to steer fund raising committee for Kanu

    The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, and the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekwemeradu, are set to raise support fund for the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu to perfect his bail conditions and also cater for his immediate family.

    The governor had on Tuesday stormed an Abuja Federal High Court where he showed solidarity with Kanu.

    Speaking on the development on Wednesday, the governor said “I’m trying to work with other well meaning Nigerians to raise funds for Kanu so that he can fund his lawyers and meet his immediate family needs.

    “We are going to ensure that the injustice meted out to him does not destroy him. He has parents, wife and children to take care of. I appeal to Nigerians to support this just cause.”

    Fayose, who is the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum, called on lawyers to join the struggle for liberation.

    “As many lawyers that are willing to fight the oppression should join the struggle for liberation from the oppression.

    “Those willing can send their correspondence to Governors Office or reach me on my telephone line 070300000393 or myemail:mystory2006@yahoo.com.”

    Fayose confirmed that Ekwemeradu will be part of the coordinators that will steer the fund raising committee.

    The account will be raised in Kanu’s name and will belong to him.

    “We are just driving the cause. As soon as we receive his account details we will make it available. The money will be used for him and others in incarceration with him.

    “We believe in coexistence of Nigeria. People have the right to agitate for independence. Even in traditional institution people agitate for autonomy.

    “When people agitate and they cannot get it, they drop the idea. It is not for you to silence them. That is oppression. Agitation is legitimate”, he said.

     


     

  • Ekiti 2018: Over 55 candidates jostle for Fayose’s job

    Ekiti 2018: Over 55 candidates jostle for Fayose’s job

    No fewer than 55 aspirants have declared interest in succeeding incumbent Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State in the governorship election slated for 2018.

    The aspirants cut across the two major political parties in the state, which include the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC.

    While the PDP has 15 aspirants warming up for the primaries, the remaining 40 are coming on the platform of the APC.

    According to The Sun, the PDP aspirants include incumbent Deputy Governor, Dr. Olusola Olubunmi Kolapo, ex-Deputy Governors, Sikiru Lawal, National Secretary of the Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi led Natonal Caretaker Committee of PDP, and ex-Minister of state for works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, former Deputy Governor and Senator Biodun Olujimi, Mr. Bisi Omoyeni, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Mr. Owoseni Ajayi and Abiodun Aluko, among others.

    They are said to be already seeking the support of party members and reaching out to interest groups and trade unions to get their support to clinch the party ticket ahead of 2018.

    Aspirants from the APC are made up of names such as Adebayo Oririe, Opeyemi Bamidele, Bimbo Daramola, Hon. Bamidele Faparusi, Sen. Gbenga Aluko, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu, Sen. Ayo Arise, Engr. Segun Oni, and Opeyemi Bamidele, among others.

    It was further gathered that each of the PDP aspirants who considered themselves as anointed candidates of governor Fayose are riding on the shoulder of the governor in order to leverage on his wide acceptance by the people to win the party ticket and eventually get the governor’s job.

    However, governor Fayose, whose tenure expires October 15, 2018, has promised to ensure that only a consensus candidate emerges at the primary of the party, adding that he would not impose any candidate on the state.

    He said, “Although, some aspirants have already indicated their interest in the race, but as a leader of the party and governor, I will support a system that would provide a consensus candidate among the aspirants.

    “This we will do by allowing a level playing ground where all aspirants would be put to a test of their popularity, acceptance and ‎influence on the people as the people would choose in a primary, the candidate they want for the election.”

  • Fayose approves increment of maternity leave by 4 weeks

    Fayose approves increment of maternity leave by 4 weeks

    The Ekiti State Government on Monday announced an increase in the maternity leave period for women in its public service from 12 weeks to 16 weeks.

    The Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Information, Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Kola Ajumobi, said this at a public enlightenment forum in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

    He said that the gesture was approved by the state governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, as part of his display of love and special regard for the womenfolk in the state.

    He said it was also aimed at encouraging exclusive breast feeding for newly born children in the first six months of birth.

    It is also meant to promote good nutrition for both mothers and their new born children, he said.

    Ajumobi said that nursing mothers would, in addition to the four months, be granted two hours’ off duty everyday for a period of six months from the date they resumed from maternity leave.

    According to him, the commitment of the Fayose-led administration to the reduction in mothers and children’s mortality and morbidity rate to the barest minimum remains sacrosanct.

    Ajumobi said the crèche at the state secretariat had also been invigorated to boost bonding between mothers and their children during official working hours without undue hindrance to performance and efficiency at the workplace.

    The permanent secretary lamented that lack of good nutrition; poverty, hunger as well as lack of access to economic and political empowerment had largely contributed to high maternal and child mortality.

    He, however, noted that the present administration in the state would continue to roll out various palliative packages exclusively for women to empower and guard them from avoidable travails.

    Ajumobi said such measures already in existence include the provision of N500million as revolving soft-loan to promote small and medium Enterprises driven by women.

    Also, women farmers were being supported with various incentives, he said.

    According to him, government has also encouraged women’s access to political power.

    Harmful traditional practices to woman’s nutritional and sexual reproductive health, such as widowhood rites and inheritance had become criminal offences in the state, he said.

    He said that rapists and wife beaters now face life sentences in the state

     

     

    NAN

     

  • Recovered loots: Buhari, EFCC acting badly in comedy series – Fayose

    Recovered loots: Buhari, EFCC acting badly in comedy series – Fayose

    Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has said Nigerians are tired of the several intrigues and controversies concerning the funds recently recovered by the Economic and Financial Commission, EFCC.

    Fayose also faulted claims by the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) that the N13 billion cash discovered at Osborne Towers, Lagos, belongs to it, stating that the development has only succeeded in rubbishing the Federal Government’s anti-graft war.

    In a statement specially released on the recovered funds, Fayose said: “Yesterday, it was made public that the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) claimed ownership of the $43,449,947, £27,800 and N23, 218,000 seized on Wednesday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from Osborne Towers, a luxury residential complex in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    “This, to my mind is one cover-up too many and this federal government seeming plot to protect the original owner of both the money and the apartment where it was found has further shown that the anti-corruption fight is political, selective and therefore a ruse.

    “Nigerians should recall that I have consistently maintained that the APC-led federal government was not fighting any corruption. Rather, the government is using the anti-corruption fight as a major political tool to cripple opposition and turn the country to a one party state.

    “Therefore, for once, the federal government should operate with the mind-set that Nigerians are no fools. They are capable of asking questions and they are already doing that.

    “Some of the questions being asked are: who is the owner of the apartment in which the money was found? does the apartment also belong to the NIA? if the apartment belong to the NIA, when was it bought and from whom,? if the apartment does not belong to the NIA, from whom and when was it rented?

    “How could a whistle-blower be aware of movement of money into one out of many apartments in a building without knowing the owner of the apartment? if truly the NIA was carrying out a “covert operation” as claimed, was President Muhammadu Buhari not briefed of the so-called “covert operation” when he took over power?

    “Was the National Security Adviser (NSA), whose office controls all intelligence agencies, including the EFCC and DSS not aware of the “covert operation”? was there any security presence at the vicinity of the apartment to suggest that it was being used as warehouse for over N13 billion cash belonging to the NIA?

    “Does NIA need an unprotected apartment to keep such huge sum of money purportedly meant for “covert operation”? how much was released for the so-called “covert operation”? how much has been spent and to who was account rendered up to date?

    “As for me, the script being acted on this discovered cash is a cover-up that will mar the EFCC and the federal government. It is a movie well scripted for some alawada (comedians) but acted so badly.

    “It is case of a dog that has been eating other people’s children to the admiration of its owner suddenly attacking the beloved son of the owner’s friend and they are now trying to cover-up the dog owner.

    “It is a major test of the integrity of the APC federal government’s so-called anti-corruption fight, and the earlier the proponents of the cover-up plot come back to their normal senses and tell Nigerians who owns the apartment in which the money was found, the better for them.

    “In the last few weeks, we have been served with dramas of recovery of funds by the EFCC.

    “N49 million in cash was said to have been found in Kaduna Airport and was promptly “arrested” by EFCC officials. But up till now, Nigerians have not been told the identities of those who brought the five sacks in which the cash was found into the airport despite the presence of CCTV cameras at the airport.

    “EFCC also fed Nigerians with tales of recovery of N448,850,000 (Four hundred and forty eight million, eight hundred and fifty thousand naira) cash from a shop at LEGICO Shopping Plaza, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos. We were told that the shop had not been opened for two years and one wonders how the cash got into the shop.

    “Up till today, EFCC is yet to tell Nigerians the identity of the owner of the shop and Nigerians are asking whether or not the Legico Shopping Plaza, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, is not owned by anyone and the owner of the Plaza won’t be able to identify his or her tenant.

    “As for this latest drama, which has boomeranged, even though we know that the APC-led federal government has the capacity to sweep it under the carpet like many others before it, Nigerians will have it on record that they are being ruled by a government of “the more you look, the less you see.”