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Why Fayemi will soon be Ekiti governor againBy ‘Gbenga Ogunremi
AGAINST all odds, the immediate past Minister of Mines and Steel Development, and former Governor of Ekiti state, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) Party flag bearer for the forthcoming July 14 Ekiti State Governorship Election after a fiercely contested gubernatorial primaries which he eventually won resoundingly. This sweeping, but well-deserved victory which outgoing governor Fayose derisively described as pyrrhic, was especially significant as it signposted Fayemi’s seemingly unstoppable march to victory in the July 14 governorship election. Fayemi’s emergence also marked the beginning of the end for charlatans in government because Ekiti people have come to realize, albeit regrettably, that the present Fayose administration was not only inept, but an aberration, a continuity of which would only further offend their sensibilities, especially now that there are enough grounds for back to back comparisons. Unlike the present leadership that is lacking in aptitude and attitude, and whose incongruent and mundane policies and programs have totally marginalized and impoverished the people, Fayemi’s approach to governance was rather grounded in the theory of social inclusion, collective prosperity and better life for all, the ultimate aim of which was to effectively banish poverty in Ekiti.
Through robust good governance initiatives as espoused in his administration’s 8-Point Agenda, JKF, as fondly addressed, came up with several social safety nets that effectively addressed people’s needs and priorities in a sustainable manner. For example, Participatory Governance involving all communities in annual budgetary process was an initiative that did not only account for rapid development of all communities in Ekiti, but also made the rural majority feel valued and relevant in the scheme of things, as they were partakers in decision making as it affected development of their respective communities. JKF’s Social Security Scheme for the Elderly, an exceptional welfare initiative designed to alleviate poverty associated with old age especially among very vulnerable indigent senior citizens of age 65 and above, who had little or no care at all, with a bail out of N5,000 monthly stipend. The scheme which took off with 5000 beneficiaries and had soared to 25000 by the time he vacated office in 2014.
Also, as part of JKF’s social investment strategies were several empowerment programs that led to wealth creation, massive youth employment and capacity building. Such included; Ekiti Youth Volunteers Corps Scheme that engaged 10,000 youths on a monthly allowance of N10,000; Ekiti Transport Management Agency (EKTMA) that gave gainful employment to 300 youths; Youths in Commercial Agriculture Development (YCAD) initiative which empowered 250 youth farmers; and Peace Corps scheme that engaged 1000 youths. Further to this were commendable achievements such as free, qualitative and compulsory education for children; Operation Renovate All Schools in Ekiti (ORASE) initiative that accounted for an unprecedented whole scale renovation of dilapidated buildings in all the 183 secondary schools in the state; free healthcare services for pregnant women, children under 5 years, a elderly citizens above 65, the physically challenged and HIV/AIDS patients; periodic free health missions; establishment of health centers in all localities across the state, building and equipping of two new general hospitals, while existing ones were renovated and equipped in line with best practices in the health sector.
Other milestone achievements included the redevelopment of Ikogosi Warm Springs as the flagship of tourism destination in the state; the resuscitation of two moribund industries that had been comatose for over 20 years, that is, Ire Burnt Bricks Factory and Fountain Aggregates Quarries in Igbemo, which apart from expanding the state resources, also provided several job opportunities; infrastructural initiative which accounted for over 1000 km of inter and intra state roads constructed across the state within 4 years. Unfortunately, Fayemi’s exit sounded the death knell of these laudable initiatives and programs because a poorly prepared leadership that did not have the capacity for efficient service delivery, took over from him. In fact, Ekiti state that had commenced ascent to greatness under Fayemi’s watch, took a steep descent into the dark abyss due to Fayose’s lackluster and delusive government that took unemployment, excruciating poverty, marginalisation and social exclusion to unimaginable heights. Take a look around the state and you would discover a gloomy and despondent situation. All of Fayemi’s efforts in the areas of human capital development, entrepreneurship, tourism development and healthcare have been totally impaired to the detriment of the masses who are the hapless victims. This in fact, remains the flashpoint of anger and distress among the citizenry.
For example, over 40,000 people that benefitted from various social investment schemes such as YCAD, Youth Volunteer Scheme, Peace Corps etc that Fayemi instituted were disbanded without any corresponding meaningful replacements. The 25,000 senior citizens that were on the Social Security Scheme have been hung out to dry and completely abandoned; the children are back on the streets as they no longer enjoy free education. The rural community stakeholders have since lost out as partakers in governance. Despite removing all these expenses from the state budget, Fayose unbelievably owes civil servants, teachers, local government workers, pensioners and even traditional rulers, salary arrears ranging from 6 to 10 months. Even both local and foreign investors are running away from the state due to unfavorable business climate engendered by the present government’s insensitivity, while the resuscitated industries have gone comatose again, thus leading to several job losses.
The exigencies of the moment therefore call for a rebirth, a rescue mission and a restoration of good governance, which at this time can only be championed by a trusted and tested Fayemi who, in an unprecedented and distinctive manner, delivered on all promises made to Ekiti people during his first outing as governor. So, by the grace of God and the collective will of the masses that he outstandingly and selflessly served for 4 years, Fayemi, in a matter of months, will be back as governor of Ekiti State again.
Ogunremi was Chief Press Secretary to ex-Gov. Niyi Adebayo of Ekiti State
