By Yemi Olajutemu
Ado Ekiti
The Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has debunked the rumour making round that he took step to bribe INEC to defer APC National and state House of Assembly Primaries in the state because of the June 18 Governorship elections.
In a statement titled “Re: How Governor Fayemi bribed Electoral Body, INEC Directors to defer APC National, State House of Assembly primaries” signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Fayemi described the publication as untrue and unfounded falsehood brought from the deep pit of hell to misinform the public.
A news organization, Sahara reporter had recently written that Governor Fayemi was trying to influence the electoral umpire so as to assure victory for the APC candidate of Biodun Oyebanji in the forthcoming election.
The statement described the publication as an absolute act of irresponsible journalism taking too far.
The statements reads ” there would have been no need to correct the wrong impression Sahara Reporters was out to create, but for the simple fact that the unsuspecting members of the public might be hoodwinked by the lies and misinformation contained in the report.
Needless to say that Governor Kayode Fayemi, renowned for his democratic credentials, has always been an advocate of good governance and independent media. As a critical stakeholder in the Nigeria Project, Governor Fayemi remains irrevocably committed to due process and would not, for any reason whatsoever, cut corners in the course of serving the people.
Dr Fayemi has a rich history of defending democracy and the rule of law. He is also renowned for his courage at challenging obnoxious policies. But to allege that he bribed INEC officials to re-order the timetable for the State and National Assembly primary elections in Ekiti and Osun States, as published by Sahara Reporters, is taking irresponsible journalism to another level. Nothing can be farther from the truth than this mischievous fabrication.
The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) remains the main umpire in the country’s electoral activities and its directives on electoral matters remain binding.”
The statement urged members of the public to disregard the news while urging Sahara reporters to desist from cheap blackmailing that they are denigrating and degenerating to, which he said was fast becoming their trademark.