President Bola Tinubu has described Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, the former governor of Ekiti State, as a loyal ally and a dedicated patriot who has stood by him for many years. In a heartfelt message he personally wrote in honor of Fayemi’s 60th birthday, Tinubu reflected on their long history together, emphasizing his admiration for Fayemi’s contributions as a scholar, writer, administrator, and expert in development matters.
According to a report by Vanguard News, Their bond, Tinubu recalled, goes back to the 1990s during their involvement in the pro-democracy movement. He spoke about how they worked together, both locally and internationally, to resist military rule in Nigeria. According to him, “My relationship with Dr. Kayode Fayemi dates back to our time together in the pro-democracy movement in the 90s when we mounted local and international campaigns against military dictatorship.”
Tinubu recalled the challenges they faced during General Sani Abacha’s rule, a time when activists and journalists were constantly under threat. Many, including those in exile, had to find ways to continue their struggle for democracy. Fayemi’s intelligence, dedication, and strategic thinking, he said, played a crucial role. “During the challenging General Sani Abacha era, civil rights and pro-democracy activists, especially those in exile, had to rely on their ingenuity to survive. Kayode’s brilliance, commitment, and strategic skills were invaluable to our cause.”
He further recalled how they fought for the release of Chief MKO Abiola and the reversal of the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, widely considered Nigeria’s most credible election at the time. The military government, Tinubu said, responded by shutting down newspapers such as Concord, Punch, and Guardian, along with magazines like Tempo and TELL. “The military government routinely raided and proscribed newspapers such as the Concord, Punch, Guardian, and magazines such as Tempo/TheNews and TELL. General Abacha was running amok, arresting activists, jailing journalists, and instilling fears in anyone opposed to his oppressive regime.”
To counter the dictatorship, there was an urgent need to establish a radio station that would give a voice to the pro-democracy movement. Tinubu highlighted Fayemi’s key role in bringing this vision to life. “There was a need to have a radio station covering the activities of the pro-democracy movement at home and abroad and putting more significant pressure on the Abacha junta. Dr. Fayemi and other activists actualized the birth of the pro-democracy radio, Radio Kudirat, named in honor of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, who agents of the Abacha regime murdered.”
Reflecting on Fayemi’s political journey, Tinubu praised his transition from activism to governance. He recalled how Fayemi contested and won the 2007 Ekiti governorship election but had to fight in court for over three years before he was finally declared the rightful winner in 2010. He also highlighted Fayemi’s role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his contributions to Buhari’s 2015 campaign.
Tinubu expressed gratitude for Fayemi’s selfless decision to step down for him in the 2023 APC presidential primaries, saying it demonstrated humility and loyalty. He concluded his tribute by wishing Fayemi good health and fulfillment in the years ahead.
