The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Ekiti Stàte Governor, Dr John Kayode Fayemi was in Kebbi State on Monday to felicitate with the people and Government of Kebbi State as they joined the Muslim Umma to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr.
The NGF Chairman extolled the extraordinary commitment and sacrifice of his Kebbi State counterpart, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu to the Nigerian project.
Fayemi, who was visibly elated said, “he attends to matters of concern and worry to all of us.
“This is to ensure that the glaring achievements of our forum are consolidated and developed upon.
“This is to ensure that we do not lose, but gain more people, and indeed we have been gaining more.
“Happily, that has not shown any dent on the myriad of the developmental strides of his administration in Kebbi state that has continued to record tremendous growth.”
Fayemi further acknowledged the sterling and indispensable contributions of the Kebbi state Governor to the Federal Government,led by President Muhammadu Buhari and as the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum.
He said:”It is not easy to superintend over the affairs of 22 Governors on different perspectives and objectives, although we are on the same mythological orientation.”
The NGF Chairman added that Bagudu was a strong, dependable pillar to him both as the forum’s chairman and Ekiti Stàte Governor.
“I have been enjoying unflinching, consistent support and solidarity from my bossom friend, the Kebbi State Governor and our indefatigable Chairman.
“With such tempo of support, I am sure we will triumph over our challenges in this country,” Fayemi, averred.
He said that the visit was to felicitate with the government and people of Kebbi State on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast and the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
“We pray that following this month of reflection sorveregnty, supplication that God in His infinite mercy will continue to watch over us, watch over our people, watch over our country at a time that requires a lot for us to overcome whatever issues we are dealing with.”
Responding, Bagudu described Fayemi as a reliable friend and ally of Kebbi state, both as the NGF Chairman and Ekiti Stàte Governor.
He also recalled that sequel to the efforts of Fayemi when he was the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, no fewer than 20,000 artisanal miners from the state were registered .
“Sequel to that, they are now conducting their activities on an environmentally-friendly and legal bases and this has boosted the economy of the state and that of Nigeria,” Bagudu said.
According to the Kebbi state Governor, Fayemi has been leading the NGF, “equitably and justly,” adding that, he has been fighting for all.
“He has visited several states to support Governors who are challenged, including Kebbi as this is his third visit to the state as NGF Chairman, while he had visited before.
“As Governor of Ekiti Stàte, people from other parts of Nigeria are living in Ekiti state peacefully and they are enjoying everything equitably,”Bagudu added.
Bagudu said in the nation’s democratic process, Fayemi did the unusual in 2014 where both observers and fair minded public commentators believed that he worn the hotly contested election but he decided to relinguish power to his opposition, saying if that was the wish of Ekiti people let it be.
“That magnaminity was rewarded by Ekiti people who returned him enthusiastically. Equally for us in Kebbi we remember him for his role in helping to boost our economy as Minister of Solid Minerals and his belief each component part of Nigeria has something to contribute national growth.
