President Bola Tinubu has commended former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for his selflessness and political maturity, particularly his decision to step down for him in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary ahead of the 2023 elections.
In a tribute marking Fayemi’s 60th birthday, Tinubu described him as a committed democrat, a strategic thinker, and a loyal ally who has played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
The President praised Fayemi’s contributions to democracy, his leadership in governance, and his influence within the APC.
Reflecting on the keenly contested APC presidential primary, Tinubu acknowledged Fayemi as one of the aspirants who had the credentials and political experience to lead the country.
However, he highlighted Fayemi’s statesmanship and sense of party unity, which led him to step down and endorse his candidacy.
“Dr. Fayemi, on the party convention night, was gracious when he openly announced that he was stepping down for me. His decision demonstrated remarkable humility and comradeship,” Tinubu stated.
The President noted that this act of political sacrifice helped to strengthen the APC, ensuring a united front heading into the general election.
He described Fayemi’s decision as a testament to his unwavering commitment to party discipline and national progress.
Beyond the 2023 primary, Tinubu celebrated Fayemi’s long-standing contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, tracing their relationship back to the 1990s during the struggle against military rule.
He recalled their efforts in the pro-democracy movement to resist General Sani Abacha’s dictatorship and fight for the actualization of the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by Chief MKO Abiola.
During this time, Fayemi played a key role in establishing Radio Kudirat, a clandestine radio station used by activists to broadcast messages against the military regime.
“During the challenging General Sani Abacha era, civil rights and pro-democracy activists, especially those in exile, had to rely on their ingenuity to survive. Kayode’s brilliance, commitment, and strategic skills were invaluable to our cause,” Tinubu said.
Following Nigeria’s return to democracy, Fayemi continued to be at the forefront of governance and policy development.
Tinubu highlighted his contributions as the founder of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), which has played a significant role in promoting good governance and security policy across Africa.
Tinubu commended Fayemi’s resilience in reclaiming his mandate and his achievements as a two-term governor of Ekiti State after a protracted legal battle that lasted over three years.
The President also acknowledged Fayemi’s pivotal role in the formation of the APC in 2013, particularly his efforts in the merger of opposition parties that led to the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the historic 2015 presidential election. Fayemi chaired the committee that conducted the APC presidential primaries in 2014, which produced Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s candidate.
He later served as the Director of Policy for the APC/Buhari Campaign Council, helping to steer the party to victory.
“Our party’s victory in the 2015 Presidential election, defeating an incumbent president and a ruling party that had vowed to rule Nigeria for 60 unbroken years, was a fitting reward for the hard work, teamwork, and capacity demonstrated by Fayemi, other campaign council members, and party leadership,” Tinubu stated.
As a two-term governor of Ekiti State, Fayemi was praised for his commitment to education, infrastructure development, and social welfare.
Tinubu acknowledged the economic challenges Fayemi faced during his tenure but commended his ability to implement impactful policies that improved the lives of Ekiti residents.
In addition to his time as governor, Fayemi served as Minister of Mines and Steel Development under President Buhari, where he worked to revitalize Nigeria’s mining sector.
Summing up Fayemi’s contributions, Tinubu described him as a trusted ally, an academic, an administrator, and a development expert who has dedicated his life to public service.
“With our long years together in the trenches and years of party and national politics collaboration, Fayemi has been an able lieutenant, an invaluable ally, and a committed patriot,” Tinubu said.
As Fayemi marks his 60th birthday, the President wished him continued success, emphasizing that his service to Nigeria and Africa remains exemplary.
“As he turns 60, I wish him continued health and fulfillment in the years ahead,” Tinubu concluded.
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