Fayose’s divisive, senseless campaign

SIR: The advert of Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti, a PDP governor on Monday January 19, 2015 edition titled “Nigerians Be warned-Nigeria. I have set before thee Life & Death” is senseless, irresponsible and complete deviation from the warnings of Chief Anyaoku and Mr. Annan, two eminent African personalities.

  The advert depicts the flaw in character of Fayose. First, Generals Murtala Mohammed and Abacha were never elected to power. They staged coup d’état and came to power through the barrel of the gun. Gen. Murtala was assassinated by Bukar Dimka and did not die of natural causes. Gen. Abacha died under mysterious circumstances. The only elected President who died in office was President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. And Fayose’s party candidate in the February 14, 2015 election, President Goodluck Jonathan benefitted from Yar’Adua’s death. 

  Second, that advert did not address issues. It did not address the problems of corruption, insecurity, underdevelopment, epileptic power supply, inadequate infrastructure, inadequate health care, low life expectancy e.t.c. This kind of advert can only come from Fayose. Ironically, Ekiti State, which he governs is prided the fountain of knowledge.

  God is the author of life. He gives life and He takes life as He wishes. There is nothing to show that Gen. Buhari is unfit for election. There is nothing that suggests that Gen. Buhari may not live for the next 20 years. Mrs. HID Awolowo is 99 and her faculties are still intact. President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, though a sit tight president, is 90 years old and is not suffering from infirmity of the mind or body. Contrary to the lame argument of Fayose, anybody can die at anytime irrespective of youthful or old age. 

  Nigeria is indeed very unfortunate to have people like Fayose occupy political office. This is a fellow who has charges dangling on his head like the sword of Damocles. Yet, he is unperturbed and still using taxpayers’ money to sponsor irresponsible advertorial. We must ensure that the likes of him never occupy public office again. 

• Idris Faro,

Lagos.