US asks Fayose about presidential ambition

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, yesterday, pledged his country’s determination to work with all stakeholders to ensure free, fair and credible governorship election in Ekiti State on July 14, 2018. 

Symington, who visited Governor Ayo Fayose alongside his aide, Mima Torres, also asked about Fayose’s presidential ambition come 2019, saying he was impressed with the patriotic zeal of Nigerians. 

He said, “Nigerians are proud to be Nigerians. When you ask them what they love most about their country, they would say ‘it is our resilience, energy, diversity, unity and friendliness.’”

While applauding infrastructural development in Ekiti State, the US envoy said the governor’s three years in office had been keenly observed by the US. 

“We are in Ekiti because we believe in Nigeria; every state, every corner matters. We have seen what you have done in the last three years, it is very commendable.

“Our concern in the US is that we want to see leaders who care about others and not themselves; we also understand that you have presidential ambition and wish to know your programme for the country,” he said.

While urging Fayose to ensure support for Ekiti women who were interested in agriculture, he stressed on the need for free, fair and credible elections.

He promised that the US would ensure that subsequent elections in Nigeria, particularly in Anambra and Ekiti states, were free, fair and credible.

Fayose, in his response, mentioned poor attitude by the people and the insincerity of leaders as the major problem retarding growth of the country.

“Our greatest challenge is not corruption but insincerity of leaders. Those claiming to fight corruption are not sincere. Without justice, we can’t move forward. There must be equity in the way we do things. Being selective in the fight against corruption will not take us anywhere.

On his presidential ambition, Fayose said, “I have the required experience to lead this country. I have worked with the presidents we have elected into office in this country and I am able to manage the economy of my state despite lean resources. 

“In the US and the UK, they ask you your experience when seeking for a job not your paper qualification. I have managed a poor economy in my state and that shows my ability to deliver,” he said.

“We are in firm control and the people are in our support. We just want to appeal to America and the international community to keep an eye on the poll. We don’t want INEC to come to our state with preloaded card readers or manipulate the process. We are sure to repeat the victory of 2014 when we won in all local government areas,” he stated.