See Fayose's Question On N13bn Found In Ikoyi Apartment

Fayose

The Governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose has finally reacted to the latest huge discovery of about N13bn cash at an apartment in Ikoyi.

In a statement released by his aide, Lere Olayinka, Fayose described the APC-led government as a "Government of the more you look, the less you see"

His statement reads; "Yesterday, it was made public that the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) claimed ownership of the $43,449,947, £27,800 and N23, 218,000 seized on Wednesday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from Osborne Towers, a luxury residential complex in Ikoyi, Lagos.

This, to my mind is one cover-up too many and this federal government seeming plot to protect the original owner of both the money and the apartment where it was found has further shown that the anti-corruption fight is political, selectselective and therefore a ruse.

Nigerians should recall that I have consistently maintained that the APC-led federal government was not fighting any corruption. Rather, the government is using the anti-corruption fight as a major political tool to cripple opposition and turn the country to a one party state.

Therefore, for once, the federal government should operate with the mind-set that Nigerians are no fools. They are capable of asking questions and they are already doing that.

Some of the questions being asked are:

1. Who is the owner of the apartment in which the money was found?

2. Does the apartment also belong to the NIA?

3. If the apartment belong to the NIA, when was it bought and from whom?

4. If the apartment does not belong to the NIA, from whom and when was it rented?

5. How could a whistle-blower be aware of movement of money into one out of many apartments in a building without knowing the owner of the apartment?

6. If truly the NIA was carrying out a “covert operation” as claimed, was President Muhammadu Buhari not briefed of the so-called “covert operation” when he took over power?

7. Was the National Security Adviser (NSA), whose office controls all intelligence agencies, including the EFCC and DSS not aware of the “covert operation”?

8. Was there any security presence at the vicinity of the apartment to suggest that it was being used as warehouse for over N13 billion cash belonging to the NIA?

9. Does NIA need an unprotected apartment to keep such huge sum of money purportedly meant for “covert operation”?

10. How much was released for the so-called “covert operation”, how much has been spent and to who was account rendered up to date?

As for me, the script being acted on this discovered cash is a cover-up that will mar the EFCC and the federal government. It is a movie well scripted for some alawada (comedians) but acted so badly.

It is case of a dog that has been eating other people’s children to the admiration of its owner suddenly attacking the beloved son of the owner’s friend and they are now trying to cover-up the dog owner.

It is a major test of the integrity of the APC federal government’s so-called anti-corruption fight, and the earlier the proponents of the cover-up plot come back to their normal senses and tell Nigerians who owns the apartment in which the money was found, the better for them.
In the last few weeks, we have been served with dramas of recovery of funds by the EFCC.

N49 million in cash ranging from N200 to N50 was said to have been found in Kaduna Airport and was promptly “arrested” by EFCC officials. But up till now, Nigerians have not been told the identities of those who brought the five sacks in which the cash was found into the airport despite the presence of CCTV cameras at the airport.

EFCC also fed Nigerians with tales of recovery of N448,850,000 (Four hundred and forty eight million, eight hundred and fifty thousand naira) cash from a shop at LEGICO Shopping Plaza, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos. We were told that the shop had not been opened for two years and one wonders how the cash got into the shop.

Up till today, EFCC is yet to tell Nigerians the identity of the owner of the shop and Nigerians are asking whether or not the Legico Shopping Plaza, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos is not owned by anyone and the owner of the Plaza won't be able to identify his or her tenant.
As for this latest drama, which has boomeranged, even though we know that the APC-led federal government has the capacity to sweep it under the carpet like many others before it, Nigerians will have it on record that they are being ruled by a government of “the more you look, the less you see.”

Ayo Fayose (Osokomole)
Governor, Ekiti State

Ekiti Muslims Protest Against Plans To Demolish Mosques Built Within Petrol Stations

Ayodele Fayose, Governor of Ekiti state

Muslims yesterday crowed ekiti state to protest against alleged plans by the Ayo Fayose administration to demolish mosques built within petrol stations.

The protest was triggered by the marking of a mosque built inside a filling station owned by a petrol dealer, Alhaji Sulaiman Akinbami, for demolition by the officials of the Ministry of Environment on Monday.

The ministry officials, who claimed to be acting on order from above, said the government has issued a directive that all mosques built within filling stations will be demolished because “worshippers can contract cancer from effects of radioactive emission”.

The protesters, acting under the aegis of the state chapter of National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO), marched on the streets of Ado-Ekiti as early as 7.30 am, warning Fayose against the planned action.

Chanting Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!! Allahu Akbar !!!, the protesters marched from Ado-Ekiti Central Mosque in Oja Oba to the home of the Grand Imam, who also doubles as the president of League of Imams and Alfas in Southwest, Edo and Delta states, Sheikh Jamiu Kewulere Bello in Odo Ado.
The protesters went to the palace of the Ewi, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, to register their disapproval.
Addressing them, Kewulere advised them against violence, promising to seek an audience with Fayose on the development as early as possible to find a solution.

Kewulere said: “Islam is a religion of peace and we have respect for leadership, so I beg that you allow the Muslim leaders to look into this matter. We don’t want you to take laws into your hands because this state belongs to all of us.
“We are going to meet with the governor to actually get the true position of things and we will do all that we need to do for peaceful resolution of this issue.”

The state NACOMYO Coordinator, Tajudeen Ahmed, described the proposed demolition as an attempt by the Fayose administration to muzzle, denigrate and oppress Muslims.

“We are not violent people and we believe in leadership. We want to plead with Governor Fayose to reverse this action. How can a mosque located behind a petrol station constitute a health hazard to worshipers?

“Besides, it has been in existence for over a decade and if it can affect the worshipers, what would then happen to those selling the product?”

‘Why we’re demolishing mosques’

The Ekiti State government has said the planned demolition of places of worship within filling stations is to protect lives.

Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Taelolu Otitoju said: “The reason behind the move is the recent fire at a petrol filling station in Ado Ekiti and we want to ensure that few people converge on petrol stations as possible.

“it is not safe to build a place of worship in a petrol station”.

“With a church or a mosque in a station, the tendency is for people to gather there from time to time and it is not safe.
“We have to notify the people affected and we have done that.”

Ekiti Police Arrest Three Friends With Human Skull

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested three men for allegedly being found in possession of a human skull.

The suspects – Muhammed Isiaka, Ismaila Okoro and Abidemi Awolusi – were said to have been arrested with the skull and some weapons, including charms.

The state Commissioner of Police, Abdullahi Chafe, said the suspects were arrested by men of the Operation Flush at Igirigiri, a farmstead in Ado Ekiti, describing them as kidnappers and armed robbers who had been terrorising Ekiti in recent times.

The suspects were among several others paraded by the police at the command headquarters.

Also paraded for armed robbery were;

Tope Falua, Olaoluwa Fagbamila, Gbenga Faleye and Kehinde Adejuwon.

“We recovered charms and Indian hemp from Adejuwon’s premises while conducting a search on the premises,” Chafe said.

He said his men also arrested one Oyewumi Tope and Olayiwola Faluru, while allegedly siphoning diesel on the premises of the Ekiti State Water Corporation.

The police also paraded one Olusoji Damilola, who was allegedly caught at the scene of a robbery, where a petrol station’s attendant, Oluwadare Adebayo, was robbed of N1.2m.

“We will not rest until we ensure that our people can sleep with their two eyes closed. And these people will be charged to court soon,” the CP said.

#WorldWomenDay: Fayose & Wife Host Ekiti Women To Celebrate (Photos)

Snippets of Governor Fayose's Speech at a Special Dinner held at Ekiti Government House in Celebration of 2017 World Women's Day

-I want to appreciate you all very specially for your strategic position in history for a world without women will be a world of crisis.

-Government is not expected to do business, it is expected to create enabling environment, that is what we are doing right now.

-You are all help mates and companions we can never wish away.

-We have to rediscover Ekiti women and tell them they can be where they ought to be, women should be respected and appreciated.

-It is not what has gone wrong, it's about how we can catch up with the lost grounds. This event will henceforth be celebrated in Ekiti.

-Before we were born, our fathers have always harassed our mothers, we can't afford to continue that way. There is no life without a woman.

-It is very irresponsible and reckless for a man to beat his wife. Allow your wife the right of place in your home.

-Some of us don't have the attitude we are supposed to have because of the way we treat our wives, there must be a change of attitude.

-Let us expose our women so they can become ministers and even presidents, our case cannot be different.

-My wife is very beautiful, if I don't celebrate her, who will I celebrate?

-I have 5 sons, I have no daughter but I look forward to a day I will begin to harvest daughter in-laws.

-If the home front is not right, the system will have problem.

-My provost, stand up, this woman taught me in ND 1 and 2 in the polytechnic, today I am her boss, that is the irony of life. 

-As a parting gift for Olori Ajero(a civil servant) in the spirit of Women's Day Celebration, I upgrade her from Executive Secretary to the position of Permanent Secretary with immediate effect.

-Tomorrow at the Stadium, I will appoint two other women, don't ask me who.

-Commissioner for Agriculture, are you here? Provide for me 200 female farmers, I will support them with #200m immediately!

-Our women must go beyond the kitchen and the other room, I have told wife to call all the Oloris, we must achieve this agenda of making our women visible.

-I want to leave this state with landmarks, the governor’s office will the there after my departure, the High Court Complex will be there for life, I want to thank you very much Mrs Alade, Mrs Faseluka, wife of the speaker and our Senator of the federal republic, Abiodun Olujimi.

-Join me to produce a governor that will listen to you, I will never allow my personal interest thrive, whosoever you ask us to follow we shall follow. Whoever will be there we shall put there through you, we shall put the person there together.

-My house of assembly members, stand up for recognition, I appreciate you.

-Chief of Staff can you stand up for recognition...

-I thank you all, God bless you.

Fayose Drives A Caterpillar As He Flags Off Road Dualization In Ekiti (Photos)

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose on Sunday flagged off the dualization of Ijero township road with a plea with the people of the town to accord the contractor handling the project maximum support so as to ensure delivery on schedule....

The governor who was welcomed by a mammoth crowd into Ijero with funfair thanked the people of Ijero Kingdom for their unflinching support at all times with the promise to continue doing his best for the growth of the town.

Inspired by accolades and encomiums showered on him by students of College of Health Science and Technology, Ijero Ekiti, Mr. Fayose directed the commissioner for works, Mrs. Funmilayo Ogun to immediately come up with necessary paperwork that will ensure the road to the college is fixed alongside the Ijero Township Road and delivered at the same time.

Vowing not to take for granted Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole, The Ajero of Ijero's support for his administration, governor Fayose promised to ensure the college is well enhanced by providing structures needed to meet standard with the assurance that the road construction will have minimal effect on electricity and the flow of pipe borne water in the town.

Commissioner for Works, Mrs. Funmilayo Ogun in her address said the Ijero Township Road Dualization is the 11th of its kind in the state. She urged residents to support the contractors so they can get the best from them in terms of project delivery.

Lere Olayinka To Buries Mum, April 29

Lere Olayinka

The special assistant on public communication and new media to the governor of ekiti state, Lere Olayinka has announced the date of his late mother ceremony which will be happening in the state. The SA’s mother, Mrs. Racheal Ibijola Olayinka-Tenibiaje, who died on February 2, 2017, will be buried on April 29, 2017 in Okemesi Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State

Olayinka, who made this known in a statement issued on Sunday, said Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29, 2017 were picked as the funeral ceremonies dates after due consultation with family members. He said Christian wake, artists’ night and other traditional funeral  rites will take place on Friday while burial ceremony will hold on Saturday.

The governor’s spokesperson, who described the death of his mother as the will of God, said; “Even though we would have loved that she lived beyond the age of 76 that she died, we are grateful that she lived a fulfilled life.

“We, the children and the entire Tenibiaje Family of Odofin Compound, Okemesi Ekiti have taken solace in God who giveth and taketh and by the power of God; we will give her a befitting burial.” While describing his late mother as an easy going and caring woman, Olayinka said; “She was a mother in millions, who never joked with the welfare of her children. She gave us, her children love and care, even

at extremely difficult times. Even in death, we will continue to adore her.”

(PHOTONEWS) Gov. Fayose Eats Eba And Egusi Soup At Ekiti NYSC Camp

Governor Fayose is truly the governor for the masses

Notorious Robbers Attack First Bank In Ekiti (PHOTOS)

Unsuspected Robber gangs storms a first Bank Branch in Ekiti state and cart away Money in the bank. It was learnt that the robbers stormed the Bank around 4pm in the evening and destroy the revolution door with their dynamites.. It was gathered that No one was killed but they cart away millions of Naira..

More details later

Three Charged To Court For Stealing N25m In Ekiti Government House

Report has it that three working under ekiti state government were locked up fo barging into the Government house in Ado Ekiti and stole N25m, a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ado Ekiti has remanded three persons in custody.

The accused – Bamidele Temitope, 36; Afolabi Sunday, 42; and Shuaib Amidu, 67 – allegedly stole N25m belonging to one Sunday Omosilade, the Personal Assistant to Governor Ayodele Fayose.

The police prosecutor, Sergeant Caleb Leranmo, told the court that the accused committed the offence on December 29, 2016, at the Ekiti State Government House Lodge in Ado-Ekiti.

Leranmo alleged that the defendants conspired to commit felony to wit: stealing, “thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap C16, Law of Ekiti State, 2012.”

The prosecutor also alleged that the accused, on the said date, stole $50,000 (N25m) belonging to Omosilade.

He said the defendants’ offence was also punishable under “Section 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap C16, Law of Ekiti State, 2012.”

The prosecutor alleged that among the accused, Amidu, on December 30, 2016, at the Mugbagba area of Ado Ekiti, became an accessory to one Sunday when he changed $20,000 to naira denomination for him.

According to him, the offence contravened Section 519 of the Criminal Code, Cap C16, Law of Ekiti State, 2012.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty. But the Chief Magistrate, Adesoji Adegboye, remanded the accused in prison. He adjourned the case till January 16, 2017.

Gov. Fayose Joins Fire Fighters To Fight Petrol Tanker On Fire In Ekiti (PHOTOS)

The executive Governor of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose was seen fighting a fire that occurred on Sunday afternoon at Ijigbo, Ado Ekiti.

Fayose joined residents and officials of the fire service to quench the inferno that occurred from a petrol tanker’s explosion at a filling station

Group Demands Fayose's Removal As Governor In 14 Days

A group of civil society organisations under the umbrella of Coalition for Good Governance and Anti-Corruption has urged the National Assembly to remove Ekiti state governor Ayodele Fayose and prosecute him for abuse of office.

The group made the call at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, January 3 and noted that the Assembly has 14 days to do the job or face nationwide protest.

National Secretary of the coalition Audu Joseph said the group was making its call because of the several allegations of monumental corruption and criminal conduct against the Ekiti state governor.

Joseph noted that the group turned to the National Assembly because the Ekiti state assembly was compromised and none of its members would institute impeachment proceedings against the governor.

He said: “This is proof that the Ekiti State House of Assembly can no longer perform its functions and the National Assembly should consider taking over those functions to ensure that the needful is done.

“To the National Assembly, we demand that a declaration of the doctrine of necessity to waive Fayose’s immunity is non-negotiable at this point such that people enjoying immunity can be allowed to answer to criminal charges like the current situation where security funds were embezzled and millions of Nigerians including the armed forces had to pay the supreme price.”

Joseph added: “In the last quarter of 2016, details emerged of how N4.7 billion naira being part of the stolen $2.1 billion meant for arms purchase found its way into Ayo Fayose’s Zenith bank account after the money was ferried across the country in a private jet and bullion vans, according to Obanikoro’s testimony after he turned himself in to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“Just a few days ago, on December 29, 2016 another audio surfaced of Fayose with his partner in crime, Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, in which both men discussed without remorse, about how they compromised the December 10 legislative election re-run in Rivers state.

“Not once did either of them acknowledge the magnitude of the crime committed, which included the murder of some policemen in addition to the now habitual sabotaging of the wishes of the electorates.”

Joseph disclosed that the coalition has 34 Civil Society organizations backing it. These CSOs it notes are ready to mobilize their members and other Nigerians for a massive protest if Fayose is not removed by the National Assembly within the period it stipulated.

The group's demand comes just as Governor Fayose's wife rained curses on the enemies of her husband.

Speaking during the year’s edition of inter-religious thanksgiving service in the state, Feyisetan said it was high time for some enemies pretending to be friends be exposed

Feyisetan Fayose said all the wolves in sheep clothing working against her husband’s administration will be doomed.

NAij

18 Year Old Girl Charged To Court For Kidnapping

An 18-year-old girl, Bola Adeniyi, on Tuesday appeared in an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged kidnapping.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Oriyomi Akinwale, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Dec. 13, 2016‎ at Fabor Forest, Efon Alaaye in Efon Alaaye, Ekiti.

Akinwale said the accused unlawfully conspired to Kidnap Gbenga Adejare ‎in Efon Alaaye, Ekiti.

He said that some of her co-accused had been arrested and remanded in prison, while Bola was a girlfriend to one of the accused persons.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 4 of Ekiti State Kidnap and Terrorism (prohibition) laws 2015.

Bola pleaded not guilty, and her counsel, Mr Ogundele Lawrence applied for her bail.

Chief Magistrate Idowu Ayenimo, consequently granted bail ‎to the accused in the sum of N50, 000 and one responsible surety in like sum.

Ayenimo adjourned the case till Jan. 5 for further hearing.

APC Blasts Pastor Adeboye Over His Support For Fayose, Says He Has Collected Bribe

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State has frowned at the comment made by the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Enoch Adeboye, yesterday commending the state governor, Ayodele Fayose, for what he called the governor’s courage and willingness to defend his people and the cause of the common man in the country.

The party said it was alarmed that a cleric of Mr. Adeboye’s standing could praise Governor Fayose for his persistent insults and abuses on President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that the cleric should be seen as speaking for himself and his comment must not be seen as representing that of the entire members of the RCCG.

In a release issued in Ado Ekiti on Sunday and signed by the state chairman of the party, Jide Awe, the party alleged that Mr. Fayose could have bribed Mr. Adeboye with huge amount of money to get such endorsement, which is not being circulated.

Pastor Adeboye had during his tour of the country to the state as part of the church’s annual ‘Let’s Go A Fishing” programme, said to Mr. Fayose: “We thank God for your courage, for your boldness, we thank God for your being willing to take risks so that your people can be protected.

You have been a governor who knows when to say enough is enough in defence of his people. And I’m sure you know what I’m talking about and I am sure the world knows. I don’t want to say more than that but be assured that we are praying for you and you will succeed in Jesus name.”

Mr. Awe said Governor Fayose is a man that can bribe even angel of God to endorse the devil, warning Mr. Adeboye to avoid what will make the people of Ekiti rise against him.

The APC said that Mr. Adeboye even chose this period of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ to embark on praise singing of a character like Mr. Fayose is to say the least, preposterous.

The party chairman called on members of the RCCG, especially families of the founder, Josiah Akindayomi, to call Mr. Adeboye to order before he destroys the church with his involvement in politics.

He said the pastor must not be allowed to destroy the legacies of the founder of the Redeemed Church and the entire members of the church.
Mr. Awe said Mr. Adeboye should be reminded that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is a staunch member of the RCCG and what is expected of the cleric was support for members of his church, not praise singing of Mr. Fayose.

Robbers Kill Policeman, Escape With Their Van After Robbery In Ekiti

Serious tragedy hit the Ekiti State Police Command on Thursday as robbers attacked them and killed a policeman, identified simply as Inspector Gada, and injured another cop called Sergeant Sunday.

It was learnt that the robbers escaped with a police van in the robbery, which took place in Ilupeju, in the Oye Local Government Area of the state.

A resident, who pleaded not to be named, said, “I think the policemen were returning from a patrol in the Itapa area and got to a checkpoint between Ilupeju and Oye, in front of the house of a prominent politician in this state, Bamitale Oguntoyinbo, when the robbers, who had apparently laid an ambush for them, swooped on them and rained bullets on the policemen.

“By the time the robbers were through with the onslaught, the team leader, who we know as Inspector Gada, had been killed, while Sergeant Sunday was seriously injured and rushed to a hospital. The incident happened at about 5am.”


The resident added that the robbers escaped in the policemen’s patrol van.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Alberto Adeyemi, while confirming the attack, said a policeman was killed while another one  was seriously injured and “has been rushed to the Federal Medical Hospital in Ido, in the Ido-Osi Local Government Area of the state.

“Meanwhile, we have commenced investigation into the incident and will ensure that we get to the root of the matter and also bring perpetrators to book.”

It will be recalled that the police command lost its paymaster, Idowu Taiwo, on Monday.

Taiwo, was found dead in a car on Monday with his hands tied to the back in the Ajilosun area after being kidnapped on Sunday by unidentified gunmen.

Gov. Fayose Signs Ekiti Budget Into Law

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, on tuesday signed into law, the state’s 2017 Budget of N94 billion.

It was an increase of a billion Naira on the budget estimates of N93 billion presented to the Ekiti State House of Assembly by the governor some weeks ago.

According to the Speaker, Rt Hon. Kola Oluwawole, the additional one billion naira was added ‎to the capital expenditure presented to the Assembly.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Fayose said Ekiti was among the four states of the federation where the 2017 Budgets had been passed into law.

He stated that the harmonious relationship between the executive ‎and legislative arms of government would continue to subsist.

Fayose commended the lawmakers and the people of the state for their‎ support.

‎”We are one of the four states whose budgets have been passed into law. It is a budget of the people to give the best to our people. Enough copies of the budget will be printed and copies put on the Internet for all to peruse‎,” he said.

Oluwawole, who commended the governor for the giant strides recorded by his administration despite the paucity of funds, promised the support and cooperation of the Assembly members for the governor.

Tragedy! 2 Year Old Kid, Others Died In Motor Accident In Ekiti State (PHOTO)

Tragedy yesterday hit Ikere Ekiti in Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti state, as a baby-girl of about two years of age and a yet-to-be identified adult perished in an auto crash allegedly caused by a yet-to-be identified driver of a Toyota Four-Runner, with registration no: KSF 939 FF, who lost control and rammed into a residential building and a parked Izuzu Jeep belonging to one Barrister Oluwayemi Ojo, a resident of the Araromi community in Ikere.

Speaking with DAILY POST at the scene of the accident, Ojo, who revealed that the vehicle had knocked down four persons before crashing into his vehicle which eventually stopped it, said: “The driver of the vehicle must simply be insane. He was actually on a very high speed and probably lost control and veered off the road into the building. It knocked down four persons including a woman and her less than 2-year-old girl who was coming from the school.

” It was my vehicle, parked here that stopped it from going further to knock down other people. We just learnt that two out of the four people that we made effort to rescue and rushed to the hospital are dead. One of them is a little girl of less than 2.

“People said the driver of the offending vehicle is an official of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) attached to the Ekiti State command of the corps. He was conveying some corps members who quickly removed their belongings from the vehicle and left the scene. Our people did not attack any of them because they were corps members, ” he said.

Meanwhile, the building into which the vehicle first crashed into is now in ruins just as the ruins of the wares inside the shop in front of the building littered the environment.

Many eye-witnesses and sympathizers thronged the scene of the accident. Some wailed over what had happened while other rained curses on the driver of the vehicle.

DAILYPOST

Fayose Orders Ekiti Varsity To Sack 400 Workers

The Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, has sacked over 400 workers recently engaged by the institution because their recruitment did not follow due process.

The action followed a directive of the state Governor, Ayodele Fayose, who expressed reservation about the recruitment process.

The governor, who said this on Wednesday in Ado Ekiti, wondered why more than 400 persons would be offered employment without the positions being advertised.

He spoke during an interactive session with the participants in the N-Power Programme of the Federal Government from the state at the Government House, Ado Ekiti.

No fewer than 3,400 people are taking part in the programme in the state.

Participants are to take part in education, health, community and agriculture sectors for the next two years and would be paid a monthly stipend of N30,000 each.

Fayose at the event promised a reward of N1m and full employment for the best participant in the N-Power Programme.

He, however, called on the Federal Government to tackle unemployment headlong, saying the N-Power Programme was only a palliative.

“This is only a palliative as it will last for only two years and I am strongly appealing to the Federal Government to take the issue of job creation serious. When somebody partakes in this programme and is sent back to the labour market after two years, that is going back to where he or she started, the labour market.

“As for us, we will do our duty to distribute participants to where they would work and monitor them as well as ensuring that we do a proper data capturing of the participants.

“For those in the agriculture arm of the programme, they can take advantage of our desire to adequately support rice and cocoa cultivation. We will support in the provision of inputs and clearing of land. Next year, we are committing about N250m to clear farmlands across the state. From among the participants, we can get serious ones who could be useful in the teaching service and other areas,” he said.

The governor also emphasised the need to make appointment into public service free, fair and transparent.

PUNCH

Gov. Fayose Prepares For Christmas, Check Out These Photos

"Gov. Fayose getting set to celebrate Xmas with Ekiti children. Recession or no recession, Ekiti children must celebrate this Xmas," he captioned the photos.
Ekiti State Governor on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka released the photos online

Fayose Shares Banana, Groundnut To Children In Ekiti (PHOTOS)

 Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State on Sunday gave some children a treat of banana and groundnut.

Any Cow Caught Grazing illegally In Ekiti Should Be Killed, Used For Pepper Soup‎ – Fayose

The executive governor of ekiti state, ayodele fayose on thursday inaugurated the Ekiti Grazing Enforcement Marshalls (EGEM), the body saddled with the enforcement of the recently signed Prohibition of Cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti State Law.

He gave them a mandate to rid the State of the menace of herdsmen, with a declaration that “he will not sit back and watch when Ekiti people were being killed, their wives and daughters being raped and their sources of livelihood being destroyed under the guise of cattle rearing.”‎

The inauguration was witnessed by all major stakeholders in the state, including traditional rulers, chiefs, local hunters, police, army, civil defence, private sector unions, among others.

Read full text of Governor Fayose’s speech at the inauguration.

Today, we have taken another bold step aimed at safeguarding the lives and properties of the people and residents of Ekiti State by

inaugurating the Ekiti Grazing Enforcement Marshals (EGEM) and equipping them adequately.

Recall that I signed the Prohibition of Cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti State Bill, 2016 into law on August 29, 2016, after the bill was duly passed by the State House of Assembly.

The law provides amongst others that; “No person shall cause or permit any cattle or other ruminants belonging to him or under his control to graze on any land in which the Governor has not designated as ranches, no cattle or other ruminants shall by any means move or graze at night and that cattle movement and grazing are restricted to the hours between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm.

The law also prescribed punishments for offenders, such as charging of any herdsmen found in possession of firearms and other offensive weapons with terrorism, payment for property or farm products destroyed by the cattle by the herdsmen and keeping of confiscated of cattle at Government cattle ranches.

In doing this, we opined that lives of 5,000 cows cannot be equated with those of human beings that are being killed daily by herdsmen across the country and it takes very timid and compromised leaders to allow their people to be killed while they fold their arms on the altar of politics.

Supporters and beneficiaries of open grazing have argued that cows, like human beings have rights to move freely in any part of Nigeria and one question I have always ask is; what happens if poultry farmers, pig farmers, ostrich farmers or even snake farmers decide to exercise this same rights to freedom of movement of their animals?

Imagine a situation where snake farmers also release their snakes to the streets and other people’s farmlands to look for what to eat as being done by cattle farmers.

The reality we must all face is that cattle farming is not different from fish farming, snake farming, poultry farming, snail farming, etc. Therefore, if fish farmers are providing their own ponds and poultry farmers building their own pens, while also buying feed for their animals, there is no reason cattle farmers should not also provide their own ranch and feed their cows without encroaching on other people’s farmlands.

Isn’t it even shameful that in this age that people celebrate their city centre, we now adorn our own with cows and their dung, such that cows are even competing space with human beings in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other cities in the country?

Therefore, here in Ekiti, if you must practice cattle farming, you do so at designated locations.

We have taken it upon ourselves to champion this course of grazing control because no responsible leader will sit back and watch when his people are being killed, their wives and daughters being raped and their sources of livelihood being destroyed under the guise of cattle rearing.‎

In line with the law, any cow found destroying people’s farmlands will be confiscated and sold with proceeds handed to people whose farmlands were destroyed while herdsmen found with arms will face terrorism charge.

The police and other security agencies have the duty to enforce the Prohibition of Cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti State Law, 2016 as well as other laws duly made by the State, by seeing to it that offenders are arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

To complement the police and other security agencies, we have set up the Ekiti Grazing Enforcement Marshals (EGEM), trained them and have them well equipped. I therefore inaugurate them today and urge them to perform their duties in the overall interest of Ekiti State and its

people.

Members of the public also have a duty to join in the crusade to free our State from the menace of herdsmen by offering information to the Grazing Enforcement Marshals. In this regard, telephone numbers will be made available to the public.

Once again, I thank you for your support at all times and as your governor, it is my duty to protect your lives and properties and no matter the situation, I will never shy away from this responsibility.

Thank you.