Daily Trust

I’m leaving N327m for Fayemi to complete Oja Oba market – Fayose

- From Doyin Adebusuyi, Ado Ekiti

The outgoing governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has said he is leaving the sum of N327 million in the bank for the incoming administra­tion of Dr Kayode Fayemi, with emphasis that the money should be used to complete the new Oja Oba market for the use of Ekiti traders.

Fayose has already indicated he wouldn’t be able to attend the inaugurati­on of Dr Fayemi on October 16 as the new governor because the day coincides with when he would be appearing at the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Fayose, who yesterday promised not to dabble into the raging leadership changes in the state House of Assembly, advised that whoever emerges Speaker in the Assembly should work for the progress of the state.

Fayemi had on Wednesday disclosed that Fayose was specially being expected at his swearing-in next Tuesday, saying the outgoing governor was free to attend the ceremony as an Ekiti leader.

Fayose, giving his valedictor­y press conference in Ado Ekiti yesterday, said the EFCC may have the opportunit­y of harassing him if he reneged on his promise to appear before it next Tuesday.

He said, “Politician­s are erratic people. If I should attend the programme, some politician­s may use the chance to harass me even when they are not sent by Fayemi.

“This will further destroy our relationsh­ip. Issues between me and Fayemi are not personal. I have been cooperatin­g with the committee set up by Fayemi on this transition. Again, I have to be at the EFCC office in Abuja on Tuesday. But let me say clearly that I am ready to appear before any panel set up by the incoming government to probe my administra­tion,” he said.

He also denied the insinuatio­n that he had committed Ekiti State to any debt, either by way of bond or bank loans, since he took over as governor in 2014.

The governor added that he decided to abandon the civic centre project started by Fayemi and construct a new market because he didn’t deem it a priority to the people of the state.

The governor also said he decided not to name any project after himself on the basis of his belief that doing such a thing would be morally wrong.

“The flyover, the new governor’s office, the roads, the Oja Oba market, the Funmilayo Olayinka Women Developmen­t Centre and other projects will speak for me even if I refuse to name projects after myself,” he said.

 ?? Photo: NAN ?? A driver (sitting on the ground) who allegedly absconded with his employer’s SUV vehicle and goods, watches as the Oyo State Police Commission­er, Mr Abiodun Odude, returns the vehicle keys to its owner (Mr Michael) in Ibadan on Wednesday
Photo: NAN A driver (sitting on the ground) who allegedly absconded with his employer’s SUV vehicle and goods, watches as the Oyo State Police Commission­er, Mr Abiodun Odude, returns the vehicle keys to its owner (Mr Michael) in Ibadan on Wednesday

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