Ekiti ADC slams Fayose over demand for special treatment
By Boye Oyeyemi
The Ekiti State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has criticised former Governor Ayodele Fayose over his call for special care and support for former governors, describing the demand as insensitive to the economic realities facing residents of the state.
In a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Wednesday by its Publicity Secretary, Chief Olugboyega Aribisogan, the party said Fayose’s request was selfish and provocative, insisting that public service should be driven by sacrifice rather than personal gain.
Fayose had made the appeal during the inauguration of the Ayodele Fayose Lodge, a newly constructed building within the Government House complex named in his honour, where he urged Governor Biodun Oyebanji to extend special consideration to him and other former governors.
Reacting, the ADC urged the governor to prioritise the welfare of workers, pensioners, farmers and other vulnerable residents instead of committing public resources to additional benefits for former political office holders.
The opposition party also called on the Ekiti State House of Assembly to review and repeal the state’s pension law for former governors and deputy governors, arguing that the policy places an unnecessary burden on taxpayers.
The statement lamented that the demand came at a time when many pensioners were still awaiting their entitlements, public hospitals faced shortages of essential drugs and many families were battling severe economic hardship.
According to the party, “It is an insult to retired civil servants, teachers, nurses and local government workers, who devoted decades of service to the state but now struggle to survive. They deserve government attention more than former governors who have already enjoyed enormous privileges.”
The ADC maintained that Ekiti’s immediate priority should be improving the living conditions of its citizens through investments in healthcare, education and workers’ welfare, rather than expanding benefits for former governors.
