NIGERIA: Ekiti Leaders Pledge to Work Together

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi and governor-elect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose met in the Governor's Office in Ado Ekiti yesterday and promised to forge a unity among themselves and the people of the state.

Fayemi, at the meeting attended by associates of both men said his decision to congratulate Fayose should not be taken as strange given his determination to protect democracy.
Fayose in commending the maturity of the outgoing governor said his concession was a strange concept in Nigeria even as he charged his supporters not to taunt the outgoing governor who he commended for making his marks in the development of the state.


"They said my congratulatory message to the Governor-elect is unafrican or unNigerian. I don't think it was so because that was what I was expected to do as a democrat."
"As an elected officer, I have no choice than to respect the wishes of the people.
"Our democracy is fragile and we have to do whatever we can as leaders to strengthen and deepen it the more."

"Ekiti is also unique. We all have ties dated back to centuries, so we are not disagreeable in any way".
They, however, agreed to set up a committee to draw a report for smooth transition of power on October 16, 2014.
The governor said he would continue to identify with any action that would make Ekiti progress in all spheres.

Commenting on the acrimony existing between members of the two political parties, APC and PDP, Fayemi said: "What caused those things were the fact that we were playing politics. All is power struggle. We wanted to take from the same basket, but today, we have taken it with equanimity."
"So, I congratulate the governor-elect because what we are doing today is a lesson for us that in whatever we do as leaders, we have to consider the overall interest of Ekiti people."

"Today, Ekiti is victorious. We have shown the world that politics can be played with decorum and restraint. But I have to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people until October 16, so we have to plead with our supporters to exercise restraint."