2022 Governorship: Ekiti ex-commissioner urges Fayemi to caution his aides

APC leaders endorse Ondo commissioner’s bid for Reps

A former Ekiti State Commissioner for Public Utilities, Bamidele Faparusi, has advised Governor Kayode Fayemi to rein in some of his aides.
This followed reports that some loyalists of the governor were allegedly coercing some appointees to back a particular aspirant in the January 27 All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary.

Faparusi said allowing the negative tendency to go unabated could hurt the governor’s image and throw the party into confusion. The former House of Representatives member and governorship aspirant disclosed this, yesterday, in Ado Ekiti during a chat with journalists on the forthcoming primary.

He described the act as antithetical to democratic norms, saying it is wrong for anyone to breach the right of others by forcing them to vote or support any aspirant against their wish.

He said: “It has come to my notice that some elements, claiming to be emissaries of Dr. Fayemi, were calling some appointees and demanding that they support a certain aspirant against their wish. This unconscionable act is a political fraud and it is greatly condemnable.

“Unfortunately, some of those being threatened are core politicians who worked for the emergence of this government. They should stop treating people as if they did them a favour by appointing them. They worked for the party and they deserved their appointments.

“This sounds so repulsive and depressing. How can they be compelling appointees to erect a billboard for a certain aspirant on the instruction of Mr. Governor? Is this democracy or militocracy?”

He added: “The governor, as leader of the party, should quickly sanction these people and condemn this nefarious activity. He had promised a level playing field for everyone and I do not see how intimidation and harassment of delegates will ensure a level playing ground at the primary.”

THIS came as the APC leadership in Ese-Odo Local Council of Ondo State endorsed the candidacy of Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, for the Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency seat.

The nod was given during a meeting at Arogbo town at the weekend. In attendance were party leaders from Apoi, Arogbo Ijaw, and other bigwigs in the local council.

The leaders, who lauded Ojogo’s contributions to development of the party in the council, adopted him unanimously after a motion moved by Bayo Anifowose.

The motion was supported by Chairman of Apoi Ward 4, Doye Olajide, and former Chairman, Ese-Odo Local Council, Corporal Nanaopiri. Ojogo, who expressed gratitude for the gesture, said he was “overwhelmed” by the “show of love and support”, adding that his political journey “is still subjected to the nod” of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.