Days after People’s Democratic Party (PDP) described Dr John Kayode Fayemi as “Diaspora” Governor, the Ekiti State Governor has credited his mission to make the state epicentre of development as the reason why he is always away from Ekiti state.
The main opposition party in the state alleged that the regular absence of the sitting governor was negatively affecting governance and development hence putting the state on autopilot mode.
The People’s Democratic Party stated that the governor and his administration have not been giving adequate attention to germane issues affecting the people and slowing the pace of developments in the state.
While reacting to allegations raised by the People’s Democratic Party, Ekiti state, Governor Fayemi disclosed that “He has been traversing the globe to search and explore every available opportunity to source for technical and financial assistance needed to finance people-oriented projects.
The alleged “Diaspora Governor” said “his efforts have been yielding positive results as various institutions have shown interest to render assistance, noting the World Bank and Federal Government had released humongous funds for the state.
The governor said his administration will not slack in its efforts to rebuild the economy, resuscitate damaged infrastructures and return Ekiti to a prosperous land.
“I have not been staying in the state these days. I have been looking for money to finance people-oriented projects because I don’t have the funds.
“I am happy God has been answering our prayers. World Bank had just released humongous funds to finance constructions of 1000kms rural roads, model markets and other projects.
“In addition, the Federal Government has given me money to address the areas affected by flood”, he said.
The governor spoke in Yoruba at Ikere-Ekiti, the headquarter of Ekiti South Senatorial District on Thursday during a town hall meeting with representatives of all the six local government in the district.
Fayemi disclosed the consultative meeting was pertinent to get people’s inputs for the preparation of the 2020 appropriation bill.
He said the decision was predicted on the need to make government more responsible and responsive to the critical needs, yearnings and aspirations of the citizens.
The governor said his administration remained resolute to return governance to grassroots in order to effect genuine socio-economic growth and development.
The governor, while responding to the various requests of the communities which included security and other social amenities, assured that all requests will be included in the next year budgetary process.
“I assure every local government that their requests and demands will be carefully considered and accommodated in the 2020 budget, ” he said.