Tinubu hails Fayemi’s commitment to democracy as he turns 60

Tinubu hails Fayemi’s commitment to democracy as he turns 60

President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on his 60th birthday, commending his unwavering commitment to democracy, governance, and national development.

In a statement released on Sunday, President Tinubu reflected on his long-standing relationship with Fayemi, recalling their shared struggle against military rule in the 1990s.

He highlighted Fayemi’s active role in the fight for the release of Chief MKO Abiola and the reversal of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

During a period of intense press censorship and crackdowns on activists, Fayemi emerged as a key strategist in resisting state oppression.

“During the difficult era of General Sani Abacha, civil rights and pro-democracy activistsâ€"especially those in exileâ€"had to rely on their ingenuity to survive,” Tinubu stated.

He credited Fayemi’s brilliance, commitment, and strategic thinking as crucial to the movement, particularly in the establishment of Radio Kudirat, a pro-democracy station named in honor of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola.

Following Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Fayemi founded the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), a policy think-tank dedicated to promoting peace and security across Africa.

His political journey began in 2006 when he contested for the Ekiti State governorship under the Action Congress (AC). Though his initial victory was not recognized, Fayemi pursued legal action, and after a prolonged court battle, he was declared governor in 2010 following a court-ordered re-run election.

President Tinubu also acknowledged Fayemi’s pivotal role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013. As chair of the presidential primary panel, Fayemi played a key part in selecting Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s candidate.

National Leadership and Service

Fayemi later served as Director of Policy in the 2015 APC/Buhari campaign, contributing to the historic defeat of an incumbent president. He went on to serve as Minister of Mines and Steel Development under Buhari before returning as Ekiti State governor for a second term in 2018.

President Tinubu praised Fayemi for his dedication to national progress, describing him as a visionary leader and a committed democrat whose contributions have shaped Nigeria’s political landscape.

Reflecting on Fayemi’s leadership, Tinubu remarked, “As a two-term governor, he served the people amid severe economic challenges. There is no doubt that he made his mark in the governance of Ekiti State.”

He further praised Fayemi’s unwavering commitment to the APC, recalling his decision to step down during the 2023 APC presidential primariesâ€"a move Tinubu described as demonstrating “remarkable humility and comradeship.”

“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.

Recognising Fayemi’s accomplishments as an academic, author, administrator, and development expert, Tinubu wished him continued success and good health.

“As he turns 60, I wish him continued health and fulfilment in the years ahead,” he added.