…Urges him to get back Ekiti for APC …Says he ‘ll come for his inauguration
ABUJA-
PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday said he was reluctant to
release the outgoing Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode
Fayemi who is the governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressives
Congress, APC, in the July 14 election.
The President who said
he will not be in a hurry to shop for a substantive replacement of the
minister, charged him to get back Ekiti state for the APC. Speaking at a
valedictory session in honour of Dr. Fayemi who resigned from the
cabinet last week to face his election, President Buhari said he had
directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to
embarked on voters education on the use of electronic devices.
The
President reechoed how he lost elections three times as a result of
rigging and election manipulations, stressing that the introduction of
technology especially the use of Permanent Voters Cards, PVC, and the
Card Readers saved him from another humiliation.
He said, “I
very reluctantly allowed Fayemi to go to his state because of his
constructive contributions. As I sat here, I watched every minister that
spoke and about his contributions, this revealed not only his intellect
but when he is given the necessary time to contribute to important
memorandum, he made contributions which shows commitment to the
progressive of this government and the country.
“By chance, he
was given the portfolio of solid minerals and steel development and you
know that sector was virtually abandoned. During the colonial days, they
took what they wanted from us – tin, columbite and the rest were the
priorities until they struck oil somewhere, it was simply priority of
investment shifted offshore.
“When he went in, he began to deal
with both Nigerians and foreigners that are exploiting the lack of
commitment of those who are responsible of that sector before he went
there. If you recall the number of children and women that suffered from
the effect of mining in Zamfara State and other parts of the country
and the people responsible, knowing that Nigeria will dump as decently
as possible.
“He only briefed me occasionally but he was packing
them out of the country, with the cooperation of some his colleagues he
will come here and let me know. “I hope you will get the Ekiti back for
the party. The only time I saw the INEC chair was to insist that voters
Education should be emphasized, so that ordinary Nigerians will believe
that Nigeria is beginning to respect them and that their PVC is their
status.
“And then coupled with the card readers, God willing, we
are here with the help of technology because in previous elections and I
am in the position to say so having lost three times and got to Supreme
Court, I know if not for technology, we will be doing the same thing.
“A lot of constituencies were bought, voters were allocated and results
were announced and people were told to go to court if they don’t agree
with it.
“Now, for someone who is looking for the next meal, how
is he going to get the money to give to SAN (Senior Advocate of
Nigeria), to demand for justice for his marginalization. So, we thank
technology because with the introduction of PVC and the card readers,
votes counted. Please go and emphasize this to your constituencies. “Let
Nigerians be respected that they can vote anybody across any party and
at any constituency. I think that will give them the pride to
voluntarily go and vote. It is not easy to go to Supreme Court three
times, but I went through it, I wonder how many people will be proud to
go through it in this country.”
Assuring that he will not be in a
hurry for a substantive replacement, he said, “So, we certainly wish
you the best of luck but it will take me sometimes to get a substantive
minister and more so with the 2019 prospects that I have already
indicated. “But we need a very very strong minister, strong in intellect
and courage, so as to make sure that both the Nigerian and foreign
collaborators of taking away our resources can be checked effectively.
“We thank you very much for your contribution for your country. Goodbye,
we will come for the inauguration.”
In his remarks, Fayemi
thanked the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria and for not
rejecting his plan to return “to rescue Ekiti”, and declared that he had
no apologies for being labelled a “Buhari boy” by some politicians and
the media. He also thanked other cabinet members for their cooperation
and kind, emotional words. He described himself as an accidental miner
as he was a novice in the sector when he was appointed over three years
ago, but has acquired so much experience along the line and improved the
sector in Nigeria that he could qualify for a certificate in geology.
The
former Minister assured his colleagues that if he gets elected, Ekiti’s
gain will not be a national loss because it would be another
opportunity to expand his service to the fatherland. He expressed
optimism of good fortunes for the APC as he asserted that he would be
the guinea pig to be used to test the popularity of the party in both
Ekiti and Osun States, as whatever happens in Ekiti would be replicated
in Osun election which comes up soon after. In their valedictory
remarks, Fayemi’s former colleagues described him as a gentleman, team
player and reputable academic whose contributions at cabinet meetings
would be missed.
Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya
Onu, said Fayemi was is special, unique and more than a bright star, who
played leading role in formation of APC. Minister of the Interior,
Abdurahaman Danbazzau described him as a gentleman, down to earth and
academic of repute, who “needs our continuous support as this is just
the beginning”. Minister of Women Affairs, Aisha Alhassan, said Fayemi
was a worthy colleague, a gentleman, dependable ally, team player and a
“he-for-she” person, who supported the cause of women whenever a request
was made. Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, also hailed his well
thought-out contributions during FEC meetings; while Minister of
Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, recalled Fayemi’s contributions to his
success as Governors Forum chairman.
Minister of State, Mines
and Steel Development, Bawa Abdullahi, equally recalled how he and
Fayemi were novices upon their appointments but eventually recorded
modest achievements because of the former minister’s guidance, being a
go-getter, brilliant and hardworking. He recalled that he never had any
misunderstanding when they worked together in the ministry. Minister of
Education, Adamu Adamu, said he was against Fayemi’s decision to go
contest for governorship because he was convinced it would be a huge
loss to the cabinet and Nigeria: Nonetheless, he implored other cabinet
members to do whatever possible to still support Fayemi because it was
not easy to win primaries but more difficult to win the main election,
especially as he is known in some quarters as ‘oyibo’, who is not
reputed for doling out monies or freebies for elections.
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