Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, yesterdaybegan his campaign for a second term in office with a charge to the people of the state to protect their votes from being stolen by election riggers and vote robbers.
Fayemi, at a rally held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, also pledged to work harder to better the lives of Ekiti people and ensure a better transformation of the state if re-elected in the June 21 governorship election. He said that he has faithfully implemented his eightpoint agenda and fulfilled all the promises contained in his inaugural address when he was sworn into office on October 16, 2010.
Explaining that he has brought transparency and accountability to governance as no official of his administration has been summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, unlike what it used to be in the past.
Ado Ekiti was at a standstill for several hours as the All Progressive Congress, APC, faithful from all parts of the state thronged the stadium for the rally which was turned into a huge carnival.
Fayemi was joined by fellow APC governors from other parts of the country who attested to the character and integrity of their host, urging Ekiti people to re-elect him back into office
The governors include Rochas Okorocha (Imo), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), AbdulAziz Yari Abubakar (Zamfara); Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), who was represented by his deputy, Peter Kishra.
Others at the rally were former governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff, former governor of the state and APC National Vice Chairman (South West), Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, APC National Women Leader, Sharon Ikeazor, Senator Ajayi Boroffice and Iyaloja General, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo.
Explaining that he was ahead of his rivals in other parties on the strength of his track record and performance in office, Fayemi said that all his opponents can offer for now are only promises.
His words: “The advantage I am having is that I am running on record and there are people who will promise heaven and earth but I can tell you what I have done in education and how I have banished poverty among our elderly.
“I can tell you what I have done in infrastructure, how we have transformed Ikogosi Warm Spring to an international tourist centre, how we have empowered our women, how we have revived our industries.
“Those who looted our resources in the past are threatening that they are coming back. We know where we are coming from and you know our history.
“It is not only Fayemi’s election; we don’t want to return to the dark days of one week, one trouble. In the APC, we are not arraigned in court over fraud because we are using our money to serve Ekiti people.”
Fayemi also used the forum to dispel some rumours being peddled by the opposition that he would deal with some sections of workers in the state if he wins re-election, adding that it was untrue that he would ban Okada riding if he wins re-election, saying rather than banning Okada, he would empower riders to contribute more to the economy of the state and ensure safety for them and their passengers.
Fayemi also revealed that his administration pays 20 percent to teachers who teaching core subjects in addition to their normal salaries which he has not defaulted in paying.
In his welcome address, Ekiti APC chairman, Jide Awe, said Ekiti people are on Fayemi’s side and are ready to trust him with their votes at the election.
Adebayo said that while the APC was fielding a Ph.D holder and a globallyrenowned scholar as its candidate, a major opposition party is fielding a candidate being tried in court for looting state resources as its candidate.
Sheriff said he and other APC leaders from outside Ekiti came to endorse Fayemi, whom he described as a “working governor and performing governor” for second term.
Wamakko said Fayemi was a leader that should be celebrated judging by his performance in office which is being acknowledged within and outside the country, noting that the APC as a party was about performance and transparency adding that the party will continue ensure that Nigerians are united in their resolve to enthrone good governance.
Nyako pointed out that local and international agencies have adjudged Fayemi a leader that has transformed the state with solid performance, transparency and honesty of purpose, describing Fayemi as “one of the most serious governors we have in Nigeria,” and called on all Ekiti people to re-elect him.
Yari-Abubakar said he was not surprised by the huge turnout at the rally because Ekiti people appreciate what Fayemi has done in the last three-andhalf years, charging Ekiti people to ensure one- manone- vote saying the June 21 poll offers a new challenge to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure that the votes of the people count.
Okorocha described PDP’s 14 years in power at the centre as years of waste with nothing to show for it and urged Igbos, Hausas and other ethnic nationalities in Ekiti to vote for fayemi.
Amosun urged Ekiti people not to go back to the dark days which he said has become history in the state, adding that the infrastructure built by Fayemi and the social security stipends given to the elderly citizens all attest to good governance being enjoyed in Ekiti.
Ajimobi described Ekiti as a land of honour and respectable people, urging Ekiti people to sustain the change brought about by Fayemi.
Ahmed, who spoke through his deputy, Kishra said Ekiti State and Kwara State are related and share affinity, adding that the people of Kwara State are solidly behind Fayemi and would work to ensure his return for a second time.
The carnival –like event was graced by ace fuji musician, Adewale Ayuba, rap artiste, Olamide; and other top musicians who took turns to thrill the capacity crowd at the stadium
(source:Nat'l Mirror)
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