Posted by By TUNDE RAHEEM, Ado-Ekiti on
Youths in Ekiti on Monday warned South-West governors and other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders to steer clear of the impeachment process in the state.
Youths in Ekiti on Monday warned South-West governors and other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders to steer clear of the impeachment process in the state.
The youths, who numbered hundreds, took to the major streets of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, as early as 7am singing anti-Fayose songs.
They specifically warned PDP deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George not to interfere in the affairs of the state.
They warned him and other party leaders to allow the lawmakers carry out their legitimate duties, adding that if they found Fayose guilty of all financial allegation levelled against him and his deputy, the legislators should take appropriate step to impeach him or set him free if otherwise.
The youths led by one Bunmi Ojo described the moves by some governors of South-West to appeal to the lawmakers in Ekiti to soften their ongoing stance as evil and prejudicial. Ojo lambasted the governors and party leaders as being anti-Ekiti and called on the Nuhu Ribadu-led Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe their financial activities as well.
The youths, who said they were representing Ekiti indigenes both within and in the Diaspora stated that Governor Fayose had committed series of unpardonable atrocities against state.
They said his ordeal would also serve as deterrent to other political office holders who used their offices to loot public fund at the expense of downtrodden masses.
Also the Secretary-General of Ekiti Agenda, Mr. Idowu Odeyemi, who described the youths' protest as appropriate and timely, said Fayose's administration in the state was anti-masses. He stressed that people should not see the present travail of the governor as a frame up.
The youths also vowed to resist any attempt by any disgruntled political elements to water down the allegation of financial improprieties against Fayose by the lawmakers.
However, councilors in all the 16 local government councils, yesterday condemned the impeachment move against the governor, saying they were solidly behind him.
The councilors who had earlier held a meeting at the trade fair complex came out with the decision, criticising the legislators for their alleged ingratitude to the embattled governor, who, they said, had been very kind and funded overseas trips for them on several occasions.
The councilors carried placards with various inscriptions which read: "No more impeachment," "Ekiti councilors say no to impeachment," etc.
Their spokesman, Mr. Sunday Asana, said they resolved to stand by the governor because of the role he played in their election and his care for them.
Asana, who accused the legislators of greed and self centeredness said their motive was to take over the government to enable them have access to the treasury.