It is a joke taken too far - Fayemi replies Fayose over 10-year ban on minister's political life
- Kayode Fayemi says the decision of the "kangaroo" court cannot stand
- The ex-Ekiti state governor describes the sanction as a joke taken too far
- He accuses Governor Ayodele Fayose of choosing crude methods to attack perceived foes
The mines and steel development minister, Kayode Fayemi, has reacted to the 10-year ban on his political life by a panel set up by Governor Ayodele Fayose to probe the immediate past administration of Ekiti state.
Fayemi described the verdict of the panel as contained in the white paper it submitted to Governor Fayose to investigate the finances of the state between 2010 and 2014 as a joke taken too far. He also said the panel was a kangaroo set up.
“While we believe it is part of the responsibilities of the state administration to look into the finances of the state at any point in time, we are also of the belief that such must be done in a very responsible manner devoid of prejudice, witch hunting and a calculated attempt to victimise a citizen.
READ ALSO: They can’t get away with this - Amaechi reacts to killing in Rivers state
“In this particular case, the entire process is discredited right from the beginning, as the only agenda of the panel was to rubbish Dr Kayode Fayemi’s public service record.
“One is therefore not surprised at the recommendations of the White Paper: It only goes to confirm our initial position that the panel was compromised right from inception and targeted against Dr Fayemi.
“In his desperation, Governor Fayose chose the crude and ignoble path towards hitting a perceived political foe.
“In the process, they ignored the rule of law and behaved as if the court does not matter, thus making their actions subjudice to the court.
“Fayose was however misguided into believing that he could pass a death sentence on Dr Fayemi’s public service with the white paper. This is not only laughable, but ridiculous, as neither Governor Fayose nor his paid agents has the power to bar anyone from political participation.
“The entire process and the character personae involved are discredited and since it is impossible to build something on nothing, legally speaking, their recommendation is not only null and void, it is ultra vires.
“We urge the teeming supporters of Dr Fayemi, the good people of Ekiti state and the general public not to be disturbed by the development. It is simply another act of illegality, from an administration that has elevated political debauchery to state craft.
“It shall not stand. It is nothing but a joke taken too far, perhaps joke of the century,” the statement read.
Legit.ng earlier reported that the panel set up by state government barred Fayemi, the former governor, from holding a public office in the state for 10 years.
PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigeria’s #1 new app
The state also barred former finance commissioner, Dapo Kolawole, for the same number of years.
The panel report reportedly said that the former governor must refund a sum of N2.75 billion allocated from the N25 billion bond obtained by the government for the execution of contract for the construction of Ultra-Modern market in Ado Ekiti, which was never executed.
Gani Adams reveals truth about burning house with egg, admits to pressure as Aare Onakakanfo - on Legit.ng TV
Source: Legit.ng