2023: Fayemi begins consultation over presidential ambition, as Osinbajo gets home support to succeed boss
*I’m not an aspirant, I may become one – Ekiti Governor
*Osinbajo’s presidential bid gets a boost in Ogun
By OUR REPORTER, Akure
Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has said that he was still consulting on his presidential ambition but does not fail to acknowledge the fact that he has the strength as one of Yoruba born Nigerians to fix the problem of the country.
Fayemi, who is known for calling President Muhammadu Buhari as ‘my boss’, stated this during his visit to his Chairman South West Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), in Akure, the state capital on Tuesday.
He said he was in the state to consult with Governor Akeredolu, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Gbadegesin Ogunoye, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi and Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasonranti, on his presidential ambition.
He said: “As you know, I’m not an aspirant, I may become one but that would depend on the consultation that I’m currently conducting.
“I come to this process with an extensive wealth of experience and as someone who has always been involved in the struggle to right wrong in our country either as a student union activist or as a pro-democracy activist.
“As a leading light in the civil society movement and subsequently as governor, minister, chairman of all the governors in Nigeria, I believe I have the requisite experience to understand the enormity and the complexity of the Nigerian challenge and offer a fresh perspective on how to take the country forward.
“Our country has witnessed significant developments, we have made a lot of strides under President Muhammadu Buhari but the job is not yet finished.
“The job still has an additional aspect to be addressed. And Nigerians will want somebody of experience, somebody of knowledge, competence, capacity, energy and above all courage, courage to do what is right and that is what has brought me in consultation to Ondo State.
“You, of course, know that I’m from Ondo State, there is no debate about that. Yes, there may be seclusion for administrative convenience between Ondo and Ekiti State, but we are one.
“I have been involved alongside my brother in the struggle for a better western Nigeria and a better Nigeria and many of the things we have done have demonstrated that our love for Nigeria is not to the detriment of our people.
“For us in western Nigeria, we believe equity, fairness, justice, we believe in those things that would make Nigeria a better place regardless of where any of us may come from.
“I have that responsibility to be a bridge-builder. That is the role I played as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. That is why I’m in Ondo State to consult with Mr Governor and to seek his wise counsel on this journey.”
Osinbajo in Ogun
In the meantime, the presidential bid of Vice President Yemi Oyinbajo (SAN) received a boost Tuesday as his support base grown with Governor of his home state, Ogun, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said the state would support his ambition to succeed his boss, to enable him continue with the projects of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.
Governor Abiodun, who spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting, said Osinbajo, in the last seven years, had contributed to the many successes recorded by the Federal Government, noting that “he is eminently qualified to lead the country.”
