Tinubu celebrates Fayemi at 60, hails his contributions to democracy

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to Kayode Fayemi, the former Ekiti state governor, on his 60th birthday, acknowledging his role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle and governance.

In a statement released on Sunday, Tinubu reflected on his long-standing relationship with Fayemi, which dates back to their involvement in the pro-democracy movement of the 1990s. He praised Fayemi’s “brilliance, commitment, and strategic skills,” particularly during the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha.

“During the challenging General Sani Abacha era, civil rights and pro-democracy activists, especially those in exile, had to rely on their ingenuity to survive. Kayode’s brilliance, commitment, and strategic skills were invaluable to our cause,” Tinubu said.

He highlighted Fayemi’s role in establishing Radio Kudirat, a pro-democracy radio station named after Kudirat Abiola, who was assassinated by agents of the Abacha regime. The station, Tinubu noted, was critical in mobilizing resistance against military rule.

Following Nigeria’s return to democracy, Fayemi founded the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) in 1999, promoting governance, peace-building, and security across Nigeria and Africa. He later transitioned into politics, contesting the 2007 Ekiti governorship election under the Action Congress (AC).

“Though the PDP candidate was declared the winner of the election, it was clear that Dr. Fayemi and our party, Action Congress, had been cheated out of an apparent victory. We decided to challenge the election at the Election Petitions Tribunal,” Tinubu recalled. After a prolonged legal battle, Fayemi was declared the rightful winner in 2010.

Tinubu also praised Fayemi’s contributions to the All Progressives Congress (APC), particularly in securing the party’s victory in the 2015 presidential election. He commended Fayemi’s service as minister of Mines and Steel Development and his return as Ekiti State governor in 2018, where he led the state amid economic challenges.

“As a two-term governor, he served the people amid severe economic challenges. There is no doubt that he made his mark in the governance of Ekiti State,” Tinubu stated.

The president also reflected on the 2023 APC presidential primary, where Fayemi stepped down in his favour. “On the party convention night, he was gracious when he openly announced that he was stepping down for me. His decision demonstrated remarkable humility and comradeship,” he said.

Describing Fayemi as “an able lieutenant, an invaluable ally, and a committed patriot,” Tinubu wished him continued health and fulfillment.

“As he turns 60, I wish him continued health and fulfilment in the years ahead,” the statement concluded.