The Ekiti Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and governor-elect, Mr. Ayo Fayose on Monday met and agreed to set up a committee to ensure smooth transition of power on October 16.
The duo met at the Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti where Fayemi promised to continue pursuing the Ekiti progress in all spheres.
“They said my congratulatory message to the Governor-elect is unAfrican or unNigerian. I don’t think it was so because that was what I was expected to do as a democrat.
“As an elected officer, I have no choice than to respect the wishes of the people. Our democracy is fragile and we have to do whatever we can as leaders to strengthen and deepen it the more.
“Ekiti is also unique. We all have ties dated back to centuries, so we are not disagreeable in any way,” Governor Fayemi said.
The governor also stated that the political crisis between supporters of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party had come to an end with their meeting.
“What caused those things was the fact that we were playing politics. All is power struggle. We wanted to take from the same basket. But today, we have taken it with equanimity.
“So, I congratulate the Governor-elect because what we are doing today is a lesson for us that in whatever we do as leaders, we have to consider the overall interest of Ekiti people.
“Today, Ekiti is victorious . We have shown the world that politics can be played with decorum and restraint. But I have to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people until October 16, so we have to plead with our supporters to exercise restraint,” Fayemi said.
Speaking earlier, Fayose, the new governor-elect said his coming to the governor was borne out of the genuine intention to promote love and unity among Ekiti leaders.
He praised Fayemi for conceding defeat to him, saying this states-manly conduct would forever remain in history.
“I am here today to further promote peace and reconciliation among Ekiti leaders. No more politics of bitterness because Ekiti is one”, he stated.
