President Bola Tinubu paid tribute to former Ekiti Shape Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on his sixtieth birthday and counseled his determination to sovereignty, governance, and nationwide construction.
In a remark absolved on Sunday, Tinubu recalled his long-standing courting with Fayemi, which dates again to their date within the pro-democracy motion of the Nineteen Nineties, the place they actively hostile army dictatorship.
“During the challenging General Sani Abacha era, civil rights and pro-democracy activists, especially those in exile, had to rely on their ingenuity to survive. Kayode’s brilliance, commitment, and strategic skills were invaluable to our cause,” Tinubu said.
He highlighted Fayemi’s function within the aim for Important MKO Abiola’s loose and the de-annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, describing how the army executive limited press democracy and arrested activists.
“There was a need to have a radio station covering the activities of the pro-democracy movement at home and abroad. Dr. Fayemi and other activists actualised the birth of the pro-democracy radio, Radio Kudirat, named in honour of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola,” Tinubu mentioned.
Tinubu famous that following Nigeria’s go back to sovereignty in 1999, Fayemi based the Centre for Independence and Building, specializing in selling pleasure and safety throughout Africa. He transitioned into politics in 2006 and contested the Ekiti governorship election in 2007 beneath the Motion Congress.
Despite the fact that to begin with denied victory, Fayemi pursued prison motion, and nearest a three-year prison struggle, he was once declared governor in 2010 following a court-ordered re-run election.
Tinubu additionally highlighted Fayemi’s pivotal function within the formation of the All Progressives Congress in 2013, chairing the presidential number one panel that produced Muhammadu Buhari because the birthday party’s candidate.
He then served as Director of Coverage within the 2015 APC/Buhari marketing campaign, which ended in the ancient defeat of an incumbent president.
Then serving as Minister of Mines and Metal Building in Buhari’s management, Fayemi returned as Ekiti Shape governor in 2018.
Tinubu counseled his management, mentioning, “As a two-term governor, he served the people amid severe economic challenges. There is no doubt that he made his mark in the governance of Ekiti State.”
The president additional praised Fayemi’s commitment to the APC, recalling how he stepped unwell for him on the 2023 APC presidential primaries, demonstrating “remarkable humility and comradeship.”
“With our long years together in the trenches and years of party and national politics collaboration, Fayemi has been an able lieutenant, an invaluable ally, and a committed patriot,” Tinubu mentioned.
Celebrating Fayemi’s achievements as an educational, writer, administrator, and construction knowledgeable, Tinubu wanted him endured fitness and good fortune.
“As he turns 60, I wish him continued health and fulfilment in the years ahead,” he added.