2019 Polls: Buhari Woos Ekiti Monarchs
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday took his second term bid to Royal fathers in Ekiti State, promising to further guarantee peace and economic growth in the country.
The president said he had not disappointed Nigerians on the promises made in 2015 to secure the nation, fight corruption and diversify the economy.
He met with the monarchs at the Government House, Ado Ekiti in continuation of his nationwide campaign for re-election.
“Let me first thank the people of Ekiti for voting for Governor Fayemi in the July 14, 2018 election. I love the pattern of voting and I am pleased with it.
“When we were campaigning in 2015, we made some promises. Today, we have not reneged on them. As I speak with you, no part of the country is being controlled by Boko Haram.
“Before we came on board, 17 local governments were under the control of insurgents. We have technically retrieved those towns from them.
“The era when mosques, churches, motor parks were being bombed is over. We have also stopped importation of rice by 90 per cent and we can now grow what we consume by stopping rice importation”, the president said.
According to him, “Those who were engaging in acts of smuggling were being dealt with. We have now reached food security.
“Apart from all these, we are also fighting corruption. We introduced Treasury Single Account (TSA) to curb wastages, among others.
“I am now seeking your support so that we can continue to enjoy sustainable peace in our land.”
The President, in assuring the monarchs of a better future for the country, said; “We hope to do more and that is why we are seeking the mandate of Nigerians, so that we can consolidate the gains of democracy for our people.”
In a presentation by Oba Joseph Adewole, Ajero of Ijero Ekiti and Secretary of the Traditional Rulers Council, the Royal fathers appealed to Buhari to appoint a Minister to replace Governor Fayemi in his cabinet to represent the State.
“We want you to remember us more; the federal roads in Ekiti are in a deplorable state and we want you to fix them and make them motorable. You must also work hard to end ASUU strike, so that our children can go back to school.
“We also congratulate you on the miraculous escape of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo in an helicopter crash in Kabba on Saturday. His escape showed that God had prepared him for a special purpose.
“Your success is our success; we assure you of our support in the arduous task to take Nigeria to the next level”, the Obas said.
In his remarks, Governor Kayode Fayemi promised to deliver to Mr President over 90 percent of the votes cast during February 16 elections.
“The government told the traditional rulers that the Federal Government under Buhari was planning to dualise Ado-Akure Road, complete the federal housing units, the federal secretariat and the Lagos-Kano rail line.
“As a result of this, we have no option than to return President Buhari, because Ekiti people are progressives”, the governor said
Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers and Oloye of Oye Ekiti, Oba Oluwole Ademolaju led the monarchs to the meeting that was also attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governors Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Ibikule Amosun (Ogun).
Former Interim National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande and Mr Olusola Oke, were also at the meeting.
