Calls On Fayemi To Contest For Presidency As He Turns 56 |The Source

By Ayodele Oni

Encomiums poured in for Ekiti state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Tuesday, as he marked his 56th birthday.

Some of the messages challenged Fayemi to get prepared for the greater task ahead, a clever way by his admirers to drag him into the presidential race come 2023.

Fayemi, Chairman of  Nigeria’s Governors Forum,(NGF), has been rumoured to be nursing presidential ambition. But political watchers say this has set him against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who is also eyeing the number one seat.

In a congratulatory message, his deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi, described Governor Fayemi as “a worthy leader with an uncommon passion for the development of Ekiti State.”

In a congratulatory message signed by his Special Assistant (Media)  Deputy Governor Ogunmola, described Governor Fayemi as “a visionary leader who has made Ekiti a model of good governance for other states to emulate in Nigeria.”

The Deputy Governor said Dr. Fayemi’s 56th birthday offers another opportunity to rededicate himself to the service of the people of the state who gave him a popular mandate in the 2018 governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“He has used his goodwill and connections to attract quality investment to Ekiti State in an unprecedented manner. The entire landscape is witnessing development in terms of investment and projects to the benefit of our people.”

In a tribute, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Oyebode  wrote: “As JKF turns 56 today, the question is no longer about what he is capable of doing as a leader and peace maker. For he has been able to demonstrate his capability as an imaginative, innovative and diplomatic leader.

“Rather, the question will be about what he would not do as a leader as many believe that his past has adequately prepared him for the present and the future.”

Speaker of Ekiti state House of Assembly, Mr Funminiyi Afuye, in his message reminded the public: “Recall to my likening Fayemi to an American President, Bill Clinton, who was rejected as governor after his first term only to return later as governor and subsequently as the President of the United States. So shall it be for Fayemi whose record of service is already speaking for him even while still in government.”

The All Progressives Congress, (APC)  wrote “His foray into the political landscape of Nigeria at a time when politics is seen as a dirty game is no doubt a divine assignment.

“As a pro democracy/human rigths Activist, Fayemi has put smile in faces of several millions of Nigerians in his struggle to better their life.

“There is no doubt that the people of Ekiti and Nigerians as a whole have reaped and will continue to enjoy the caring and passion of this man of destiny.

“The party also expresses joy that God has given Fayemi a compassionate woman whose support at the home front and even in governance has in no doubt driven the man of destiny into several achievements.”

“As you continue with the destined journey, it is our prayer that God will see you through to the promised land. Once again Happy Birthday to our amiable Governor.”