President Goodluck Jonathan was recently in Ekiti state to garner support for the PDP governorship candidate next Saturday.
ROTIMI OJOMOYELA writes on the event
Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital, was practically locked down penultimate Saturday when President Goodluck Jonathan led other national leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) to Ekiti State for the official flag-off of the PDP governorship campaign and presentation of the party’s flag to its gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Ayo Fayose, in next Saturday’s governorship election.
The venue of the rally, Oluyemi Kayode Stadium was packed full and adjoining streets were filled with mammoth crowd milling around and making merry.
The crowd which was made up of party supporters and admirers , various groups, including artisans and ethnic associations, were all dressed in the same light green attire with Fayose’s picture conspicuously emblazoned on the dress.
The crowd which had endured long hours of waiting was thrown into wild jubilation immediately President Jonathan and his entourage stormed venue of the rally.
President Jonathan who was apparently impressed by the mammoth crowd said: “I am not in Ekiti today to convert you, because by this crowd, you have shown that you are for the PDP. We are going to provide adequate security that would enhance one man, one vote.
“You have really shown clearly that you want change in Ekiti. You have shown that you want leadership that will improve on your wellbeing , on the level of education in Ekiti, because education is key in this state. We will bring back the lost glory in the education sector.”
President Jonathan assured that he would provide adequate security that would crush any form of thuggery and other electoral malfeasance during the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti State.
While presenting the party’s governorship flag to ex-Governor Fayose, the president who also spoke in the same vein with his
Vice President, Arch Namadi Sambo, said whoever relies on thuggery during the poll will be disappointed.
“I only came to Ekiti during Segun Oni PDP-led Government to commission projects. When you vote Fayose and the PDP returns to
Ekiti again, I will join hands with him to develop this state.
“So, don’t be afraid of thuggery during the election. We shall provide adequate security to ensure one man, one vote, one woman, one vote and one youth, one vote. Anyone who brings thugs does that at his own peril”, President Jonathan said.
In his remark, the party’s national chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu, who did the official presentation of the flag to Fayose and his running mate, Dr Olusola Eleka, expressed confidence that his party will be returned by popular votes in the election, describing the PDP as the only party with capacity to liberate the people from poverty.
“When Ekiti votes for PDP, they will be better for it. We are going to embark on people-oriented programmes that will touch positively on your lives”, he said.
Fayose, who served the APC-led government a red card, signifying that Governor Kayode Fayemi’s days were numbered, also lampooned the government for reversing the trend of education in the state by charging outrageous fees in the state owned higher institutions.
He said, “The school fees are too high in Ekiti institutions, when I return, I promise to slash them so that the children of the common man can go to schools . The contracts of the state will no longer go to foreigners because I will consider the local contents.
“When I left the State, I left a sum of N10.4 billion in the coffers. I also recapitalized the Wema Bank with N1.4 billion, but today, the APC –led government has sold all these in the name of being progressive. But it is so sad that rather than progressing, we are retrogressing .
“But I am making an oath before you today that if you elect me, I shall look after you”.
In his contribution, the Chairman, PPD Governors’ Forum, Governor Godswill Akpabio, declared that “By the grace of God, by June 22, we will receive Mr Ayodele Fayose as one of the governors in our forum.
“APC was a drug in use in the 60’s, but today, you are taking the PDP Paracetamol, which is more effective. Even Fayose made mistakes in his first term as the governor of this state, he would correct it if given the opportunity now. With this crowd, I can see 99% votes going to the PDP in this election”.
Also speaking, the Senate President, Senator David Mark, House Leader, Hon Mulikat Akande-Adeola and the Chairman, PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih, said they are in again to give the people a new lease of life and not to compete with the lowly rated APC.
Senator Mark said, “Today, we are presenting to you a new, improved Ayo Fayose to you. He will serve you well and put smiles on your faces once again.”
Among dignitaries at the event graced by PDP National Executive Council members were Governors Idris Wada (Kogi), Liyel Imoke (Cross River, Theodore Orji (Abia); former governors Attahiru Bafarawa (Sokoto), Diepreye Alamieyeigha (Bayelsa), Alao Akala (Oyo) and Ibrahim Shekarau (Kano), Senators Iyiola Omisore, Hosea Ehinlanwo and Bode Olajumoke; Chief Olusola Oke; and the Alafao of Afao Ekiti, Oba Joseph Ademilua.
Also in the president’s train were Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; PDP South West Zonal Chairman, Chief Isola Filani; minister designate, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, and former Police Affairs Minister, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade.
