Nigerians Discuss Ayodele Fayose's Emersion as New Ekiti State Governor
This weekend, the people of Ekiti State have elected a new governor, the Peoples Democratic Party representative Peter Ayodele Fayose who will replace the incumbent governor Kayode Fayemi in mid-October 2014.
President Goodluck Jonathan, the defeated Governor Fayemi, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal of the House of Representatives, Deputy president of the Senate Senator Ike Ekweremadu, PDP National Publicity Secretary Mr Olisa Metuh (on behalf of the PDP), the APC leader in Kwara State Senator Bukola Saraki, Ondo State governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Ministerial nominee from Ekiti State Prince Dayo Adeyeye, have, among others, already congratulated Mr. Fayose on his victory.
Speaking to journalists after the results were announced, Mr. Fayose expressed his gratitude to the PDP who backed him during the campaign and Ekiti State indigenes for showing their trust in him. He also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission and the police for ensuring credible and fair process.
Fayose, who had once been the head of the state in 2003-2006 before being removed from the office, spoke highly and respectfully of his former opponents, Governor Kayode Fayemi (the All Progressives Congress), Opeyemi Bamidele (Labour Party) and other contestants as they have “conceded and accepted” his victory, adding he intends to work closely together with them to ensure the well-being of people.
As for his agenda, Fayose said his politics would target the underprivileged segment of population, focus on constructing flyover bridges (particularly, over Fajuyi and Matthew junction) and improving quality of roads in the state.
At one point, Mr. Fayose maintained he would like to be remembered as the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909-1987), a prominent Nigerian nationalist, political observer and statesman, who worked hard and earned respect of the people who don’t dare to insult him to this day.
Legit.ng has decided to ask ordinary Nigerians what they thought of the new appointment, and whether Mr. Fayose’s would mean anything for the PDP in the future. Below are the responses we have got; feel free to express your own opinion!
Some commentators have expressed their disappointment with the "people's choice" in Ekiti State. There was a significant amount of skeptics among the commentators, with many reminding of the fact that Fayose is still being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on allegations of stealing over N400 million of Ekiti State funds during his first tenure. Spokesman for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren said that, although Fayemi has not been cleared of charges, he will not be considered guilty until proven otherwise, and thus was allowed to participate in the elections.
Prince Adekoya Harzeez Falcon noted: What about the money he looted? Has he returned the money? Have said this before and will say it again, Ekiti is now fountain of fools. Chai, because of rice he won people’s hearts.
Adetunji Adewuyi said: I expect more embezzlement and betrayal from Fayose. He is going to stab his people in the heart. He is just a player in the political game.
Adeola Rabiu said: I pity people of Ekiti State! You people were supposed to learn from making a national mistake by voting for oga at the top who refuses to hear your cries. Anyway, wait and see!
Ayo Ojo said: He did all this to get votes. The elections were actually rigged with the help of the Presidency. I pity Ekiti State. Mark my words.
Ismail Razaq said: Someone who steals billions! He has a history with the EFCC, but GEJ wouldn’t allow them to probe him. And you guys still voted for him. Well you shall eat your bag of rice and oil with frozen chicken and #2000 for 4 years.
Mayah Kelvin McTroy suggested a principle for making the Nigerian political parties perform better: Come to think of it. We are all well-informed of the corrupt leadership PDP has shown since 1999. Now, all of a sudden, as APC emerges, the people suddenly develop love for the PDP again. I am not with PDP or APC here because APC members now were once PDP. What I am saying is, Are we thinking that somehow APC emerging as a strong political opponent will make PDP become productive and corruption-free if they (PDP) should emerge winners in 2015? When have we stopped to understand the importance of opposition in politics? Why not cheer APC up more to oppose PDP politically (not via killings) and vice versa so that there will be a check-mate system in Nigeria's politics? Stop hating.
The majority of observers, however, seemed happy with their choice, praised the Governor-elect for remaining close to people and asked the Fayose not to give in to political games but rather work to benefit Ekiti State.
Folasade Kayode Adesanya said: Instead of condemning this man, let’s have a positive mind towards him and pray he will perform better.
Olanrewaju Bill Samuel highlighted several major political lessons he has learnt from Fayose:
Oluwaseyi Sesan: It is not the laydown of Fayose that these governors are building upon. See what [Babatunde, Governor of Lagos State] Fashola did in his second term in Lagos! Then wait and see. We need a governor who would not be controlled by the proverbial Godfather.
Michael Acheledo Ajeh: Congratulations to Fayose, this victory will definitely favour the PDP.
Wuraola Ademua: Let us all wait and see if his leopard will be able to change his spots!
Ngbe Emmanuel: That's one of the reasons why I will vote for Jonathan. I used not to like the man because I was misguided by all the fake news about him. Now, however, I see his true nature and would even kill myself for him to be our president again. GEJ has always been the peace in the fight, quarrel or any dispute.
Hardy Okei: In 2001, even before the 2003 election campaign, Fayose gave me and three of my colleague Corp members a ride from Ilawe Ekiti to Igbaro Odo Ekiti. He was so jovial and humble. I saw in him then a man that is real and not fake. His early preparations for 2003 elections gave him victory. While his grassroots approach delivered him last Saturday, I just pray he will learn from his previous mistakes. I bet he will be a good performing governor.
Garba Mohammed: One thing that interested me about the Ekiti election was that, since the return of democracy in 1999, it was the only election that I have not heard any complaint of being rigged. In fact, it was the only most credible election conducted in Nigeria after the June 12 election [12 June 1993 Presidential elections, the first since the 1983 military coup. The result was a victory for Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the Social Democratic Party, who defeated Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention. However, the elections were later annulled by military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, leading to a crisis that ended with Sani Abachaheading a coup later in the year]. My only worry and concern is the alleged harrassment and arrest of some APC bigwigs in the state on the eve of the event. That shouldn't have happened as Fayose is already on the ground and.
Basil Anya: A lesson to other politicians. Up, man of his people! This is no long time for party politics, but time for credible individuals
Akinola Olalekan Misbaud: This man is divinely ordained to rule. The choice of the people. Big kudos to Nigerians for being wise, we no longer vote for political parties but for personalities instead.
Akeem Alaka: Let us wait and see how it goes. The first year will determine where the Ekiti State is heading to.
Okpa Ogube: Ekiti peope have spoken, while the rest is history.
Ayegbusi Kayode Israel: This is the most credible, free and fair election in the history of Nigeria!
Ajah Paschal: Election favours only those who do not selfishly allow themselves to be tied to the apron slings of self-centered political parties and party chieftains. While the opponents of Ayodele Fayose were busy with their party armchair criticisms, he was busy with his neighbour-to-neigbour campaign. Not only this has given him an edge, but earned him the expected “Yesmanship” from the electorate of Ekiti State.
Michael Ibironke: Well! Fayose said before his election that he has learnt a lesson. I pray that God will uphold him and give him wisdom needed to rule the state. People of Ekiti voted for him and not PDP, so let's forget what PDP will benefit rather what Ekiti people will benefit. This just-concluded Ekiti guber election have taught us a great lesson. Firstly, the contestant should always have the masses in heart. Secondly, the electorate should always pray to God for His perfect will and not their own will. Then thirdly, a politician should now realize that the vote of the people counts. God bless Ekiti State, God bless Nigeria and peace unto entire globe.
Obadan Ehiremen Ernest: A lesson to all politicians in Abuja! They should go home and let their people know them.
Oluokun Olawuyi Peter: Congrats, continue on the good work of your predecessor. Don’t listen to the destroyer (Awon a je nile oro, je nile egungun. Soke sodo eda).
Oguntola-Dada Modupe: He is the senior advocate of the masses.
Olabisi Okitika Ishola: Another lesson is that certificate, coming from overseas, does not determine performance. Congrats to the new Gov.
Gov Adedapo Olufemi: Congratulations to the Governor elected. Knowing that Ekiti People have used their vote to communicate their mind, he should not betray the trust bestowed on him. He should focus more on the people's welfare, where the ex-Gov failed.
Benson Igwe Vincent: The man Fayose is unique in character. I once met him in his site at Omole in 2010. He climbed up the house with the architect and both were measuring the rooms and other areas to confirm the accuracy of the drawing. He did not throw me out but he asked me to wait till he is done with the confirmations. He came down and saw me. Even when eventually I didn't get what I wanted, I know he is a down-to-earth taciturn meticulous man. I love his style and I am one of the few that predicted his victory at the just concluded pools. I was in Ekiti and I am a testimony to his popularity. Osun and Lagos states will follow suit. Those that used brooms to sweep stadium after PDP rally should be ready to be employed as sweepers.
Anuku Festus: Congratulations! Governor Fayose is a man of sagacity, simplicity, charitable, wise and indeed a servant of his people nor a sabi-sabi man.
John Ogbole Daniel: Politics is getting matured in Nigeria. While it is free and fair, it’s also accepted by both parties. Congratulations, Fayose! Congratulations, PDP!
Hollans Holl: Congratulations, Mr. Fayose. I just hope u will be a good man and lay down a good image and reputation that will live long in the hearts of the masses. Please be wise and God will grant you the wisdom to be a good leader.
Ajah Jadec Davids: I like Fayose because of his grassroots political orientation. Just wishing he wouldn’t witch-hunt his perceived political enemies.
Chigere Achara: APC are busy sweeping stadiums and streets of Ekiti State whereas Peoples Democratic Party are busy selling their good wills and manifestoes to people of the state and Nigerians at large. Congrats, Ayo Fayose, congrats, Peoples Democratic Party!
Nnona Uzo: We congratulate the Governor Elect of Ekiti State. However, he must do all within his limits to justify this massive show of support.
Joseph Anama: Surely, Fayose is a courageous man. Even when Segun Oni decamped from the PDP with a large number of people, he wasn't discouraged. The most important thing now is for everybody to join hands with him to build a better Ekiti for all.
Onyinye Ofodeme: If salary of civil servants will be raised, then no problem. Congrats.
What do you think of Mr. Fayose as a future head of Ekiti State?
- Ability to accept blame and acknowledge he is not always right, being humble;
- Being a grassroots politician who is close to his people instead of preventing ordinary Nigerians of approaching him, much as like other Nigerian lawmakers tend to do;
- His ability to identify his goals and focus on them, most prominently, by dedicating his efforts to benefit the poor;
- Letting his actions speak, not words, and not engaging in political face-offs with other lawmakers;
- His self confidence;
- His political sagacity.
Source: Legit.ng
