FAYEMI A MAN WITH VISION AND MISSION
By
Olajide Omotayo Harmony.
Vision can be described as an insight or imaginary view set as aside to pursue a mission or assignment that requires strength, energy and determination. The case of Dr Kayode Fayemi, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State remains a –genuine individual with a purposeful direction, who has renewed his deterministic power from onset to seek what he wants despite overwhelming challenges. He rose to prominence as a result of his distinction in task of building himself in a more refined way, following strict xenagogue of excellence, even when many felt the road was uncertain, he must have believed in himself through critical reflections that a day would come when he would be celebrated.
Fayemi bagged his first and second degree in the Nigeria’s university and held a PhD in war studies from the United kingdom . Brilliance is one of the crucial ingredients that must be unleashed by any reasonable being, and according to him, life must not be a bird of rose but a battle ground that will at the end showcase the most fittest.
This has been his ideology in running his political and social life. Beyond rhetorical statements, he has reflected his personal attributes and qualities in political space of the country especially for the first time in 2007, JKF mounted the ladder of gubernatorial poll with intimidating credentials, even as young as he was, he was respected and loved by all indigenes of Ekiti State.
His coming was seen as raw alternative to the PDP government in the State that has plunged and plundered the State into economic and development crisis. Fayemi became the flag bearer of the then Action Congress ( AC) a party that was under the tutelage of the now national leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
Fayemi would have been termed as fast and furious young man who won the heart of the various categories of people in the State. He would have been favoured by his manifestos and his articulation- redefining Ekiti as ideally a fountain of knowledge state, which can only be professed in the kind of leadership it has.
Fraudulently defeated by the then PDP candidate, Engr Segun Oni- in an election that was characterized by malpractice and violence. Fayemi was passionate at reclaiming his mandates, he was never tired even during period of despair,he stood firmly and corrected the narrative of malpractice that was supervised by the then ruling party.
Ordinarily, a weak mind would have fade away as the continued court case between 2007-2011 took a lot of time and resources. I think, the 2007 victory for the AC candidate was genuinely for the interest of the people and such must be reclaimed at all cost.
But, after several attempts to secure the Court mandate, Dr Kayode Fayemi was on October 10 declared winner of the 2007 governorship election which was acclaimed to have been won by the PDP candidate. In a judgement delivered by Justice Ayo Salami, nullified the election of Engr Segun Oni and authoritatively declared Fayemi as the legitimate winner of the 2007 governorship election.
The city of Ado Ekiti and the entire State went on resounding joy, thanking God for the victory long overdue. If the system was working perfectly then, he would have been declared winner within six months. His final court victory was seen by many as needed achievement to move Ekiti forward.
October 10, 2010 constituted the beginning of the progressives in managing the affairs of the State after being rigged out in 2003 by the ex president rigging mercenaries. Returning back to the good days of progressiveness was the cornerstone of the JKF led government. He was largely called “Ilufemiloye” by all categories of people in the State.
As a leader with needed progressive drive, he opened the state to path of greatness through varieties of programs that uplifted the standard of living of residents of Ekiti from the sorry State it was. The aged were enrolled into social security scheme where a sum of 5000 naira were paid to them to assist in running their respective lives. Those within the school age bracket were basking in the excitement of conducive environment and well equipped learning devices across all the public primary and secondary schools.
We must be reminded of Dr Kayode Fayemi holistic renovation and legendary strive towards restoring our values of education and excellence. Between 2010-2014, the state recorded higher percentage of school enrolment in Nigeria, and at the same time secured excellence in external examination.
The period also formed the foundation of his infrastructure and agricultural revolution in the State. The towns and villages across the State were linked up with proper road network that could ease transportation of goods and services. For the avoidance of doubts, he would give residents of various communities to tender their request and would be looked into carefully. Dr Kayode Fayemi ran a government that allowed active participation of the people regardless of the political or religious affiliation during his first tenure in office.
He coordinated an agricultural program that allowed surplus of food. The youth in commercial agricultural development scheme among others were integral in job creation among Ekiti youths. The program would have been a reason why Ekiti produced more than the recommended benchmark of the Nigeria’s agricultural body.
Just like Jesus Christ was nailed on the cross despite his good works and total emancipation of his people. Dr Fayemi was humiliated by the federal government agents through intense rigging and unapologetic daylight robbery on the intellectual capacity of Ekiti people. When it dawned on all progressive citizens of Ekiti State that JKF have been rigged out, he quickly calm down the anxiety of mammoths followers down- stressing that a more appropriate time will come for him to complete his unfinished business with the good people of Ekiti.
But, the victory of the candidate of All Progressive Congress in 2015, Muhammadu Buhari projected Dr Kayode Fayemi into the federal cabinet. He would have revived the solid mineral industry through a friendly mining regulations and huge budget to ease mining activities in order to boost our economy. This is rather a compensation to his loyalty and competency- seen in his role in the victory of PMB not minding the brazen robbery attack launched on him by our common enemies.
The 16-0 slogans by the robbers was rampant for the four wasted years in which the state was forcefully suzerain. The moment they realized JKF second coming was real, they began to device possible means of stopping him to succeed. They started with “white paper” and ended with heated campaign of calumny. Failure to know that the aftermath of a refined gold is immuned to corrosion constitute the beginning of their misfortune.
Despite joining the gubernatorial race very late, he defeated all his co- contestants with wide margin. He would later won the election landslide and defeated the PDP sole candidate, Professor Olusola Eleka in an election that was attested as free and fair.
On his inauguration day, he promised to fulfilled all his campaign promises that was hinged on improving workers’ welfare and development the entirety of the State. His never again mantra was developed to negate all sort of bad policies of PDP government under emperor Fayose which must be changed at all cost to salvage Ekiti future.
Fayemi has continued to walk his talk since his assumption of office. He has ensured prompt payment of salary and promised to clear other backlog of arrears owed by the rudderless PDP government of” Oshokomole” as popularly being called. He has overhauled the education and infrastructural sector within the shortest possible time.
His achievements resulted to Ekiti State total victory for President Muhammadu Buhari and all other candidates of the party. JKF has been rechristened to Mr 100%, for his triumph against all odds paid off after series of battles instigated by enemies and won.
I am of the opinion that, Dr Kayode Fayemi’,s visionary tendencies would see him through in the coming political struggles ahead. He could perform better in higher position of authority. I think the Afenifere leaders assertions about JKF is right. 2023 might be a free ride for him to lead the country.