President Bola Tinubu, paid tribute to former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on his 60th birthday, acknowledging his dedication to democracy, governance, and national development.
In a statement on Sunday, Tinubu reflected on his long-standing association with Fayemi, tracing it back to their involvement in the pro-democracy movement of the 1990s, where they actively resisted military rule.
“During the difficult General Sani Abacha era, civil rights and pro-democracy activists, particularly those in exile, had to rely on their ingenuity to survive.
Kayode’s brilliance, commitment, and strategic skills were invaluable to our cause,” Tinubu stated.
He highlighted Fayemi’s contributions to the struggle for the release of Chief MKO Abiola and the reversal of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Tinubu recounted how the military regime suppressed press freedom and cracked down on activists, leading to the establishment of pro-democracy radio station, Radio Kudirat.
“There was a need for a platform that could broadcast the activities of the pro-democracy movement at home and abroad. Dr. Fayemi and other activists brought Radio Kudirat to life, in honor of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola,” Tinubu said.
Following Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, Fayemi founded the Centre for Democracy and Development, focusing on peace and security across Africa.
He later entered politics in 2006, contesting the 2007 Ekiti governorship election under the Action Congress.
Although initially denied victory, Fayemi pursued legal action, and after a three-year court battle, he was declared governor in 2010 following a court-ordered re-run election.
Tinubu also underscored Fayemi’s role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, where he chaired the presidential primary panel that produced Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s candidate.
He later served as Director of Policy in the 2015 APC/Buhari campaign, which led to the historic defeat of an incumbent president.
After serving as Minister of Mines and Steel Development in Buhari’s administration, Fayemi returned as Ekiti State governor in 2018, navigating severe economic challenges.
“As a two-term governor, he served the people diligently.
There is no doubt that he made his mark in Ekiti State’s governance,” Tinubu said.
The president also commended Fayemi’s loyalty to the APC, recalling his decision to step down for him at the 2023 APC presidential primaries, demonstrating “remarkable humility and comradeship.”
“With our long years together in the trenches and in national politics, Fayemi has been an invaluable ally and a committed patriot,” Tinubu added.
Celebrating Fayemi’s achievements as an academic, author, administrator, and development expert, Tinubu wished him continued health and success.
“As he turns 60, I wish him good health and fulfilment in the years ahead,” he concluded.
