Dr Kayode Fayemi, Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, has praised President Muhammadu Buhari on behalf of his colleagues for addressing economic challenges confronting state governments through the provision of financial assistance.
Fayemi made the remark to State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with the president in the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Tuesday.
He also praised the president for his efforts to bring peace and stability to the country’s troubled states.
“Well, it’s customary, I mean, as chairman of the Nigerian Governors to constantly exchange notes with Mr. President from time to time, especially around the yuletide season like this, I always make time to come and say hello to Mr. President,” he remarked.
“But, yes, there will always be issues to discuss between subnationals and the President of the Federal Republic, to commend him for his efforts in attempting to stem the tide of insecurity in our country, as well as to deal with the economic challenges that we face.”
“As Governors, we have had cause to raise issues about insecurity in various domains, we have had cause to raise issues about the country’s economic challenges, and we have had cause to raise other governance-related issues.”
“And the President has responded to many of those issues, stepping in the bridge, assisting us as states.”
“Most recently, he provided bridge financing to address some of the economic difficulties that states are facing.”
“And it’s always appropriate to express our gratitude, even if we still want him to do more as we continue to raise concerns about aspects of our governance.”
“Well, Governors are elected to lead the affairs of their states, and to protect their citizens in the best manner possible,” the governor said of how the governors will ensure effective utilization of the funds provided by the federal government.
“You may recall that the bridge finance that we negotiated with the federal government was specifically to bridge the gap created by the repayment of the previous facilities, around bailouts, budget support, and excess crude support, which Mr. President approved in 2017.”
“Repayment of those loans had begun because the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) desired the money back.”
“And because that would have left us with a very deep hole in virtually all of the states, we then negotiated for this to address specific issues related to worker welfare, infrastructure development, and improving the enabling environment for investments in our states, and these are the things that states are spending it on.”
“They are very specific, measurable, and each state has defined what this assistance will cover.”
Fayemi also addressed the upcoming gubernatorial election in his state, stating that a level playing field would be provided for all those interested in succeeding him.
“I didn’t come to discuss election preparations in Ekiti state with the President, by the way, but yes, Ekiti is already on the march, aspirants are already expressing their intentions in both the major and minor parties.”
“I learned yesterday that 17 aspirants from the main opposition party, the PDP, were in Abuja meeting with party leaders.”
“And, last I checked, at least five aspirants had obtained the gubernatorial form from the All Progressives Congress.”
“So the march is on, we’ll see how it all plays out at the various primaries, you know, as an exiting governor, I’m the father of all, I’m just basically watching and ensuring that the party regulations are adhered to in a manner that is inclusive and gives everyone the opportunity and a level playing field to express their intention.”
“In my case, that’s essentially all I’m doing. However, it is encouraging to anticipate a free, inclusive, and fair process that will culminate in elections in June 2022,” he added.