…says PDP and APC’s candidates make his victory easier
…unveils manifesto to transform Ekiti State and its people
By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor
Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party in Ekiti State, Mr. Akin Ayegbusi, on Thursday, unveiled his manifesto to the media in Abuja, vowing to defeat both the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate promoted by the incumbent governor, Ayo Fayose, and that of the APC, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, in the July election.
Ayegbusi, who spoke at a briefing to introduce himself to the media, said his desire to govern the 22-year-old state was motivated by a strong desire to change the current state of poverty, underdevelopment and youth unemployment in Ekiti and give the people a new direction, hope and confidence in governance.
The investment banker-turned politician boasted that just as unknown David defeated Goliath in the Bible, he would defeat both candidates of the two dominant parties and give the people of Ekiti the dynamic leadership they had been yearning for decades.
Ayegbusi said his agenda for Ekiti would be anchored on massive agricultural, economic, educational and infrastructural development that would help to promote entrepreneurs and prosperity for the people and by so doing take away unemployed youths and beggars from the streets.
He said that he would easily defeat Governor Fayose through his candidate because the people of Ekiti were fed up with fake promises, lack of payment of salaries to the workers and propaganda-driven ‘stomach infrastructure’ which delivers no real benefits to the citizens.
Ayegbusi said, “The people of Ekiti are tired of politics of deceit, stomach infrastructure and frustration. It is wrong for people to beg in order to survive. We have what it takes to change the fortunes of the state. They will bring their money and the youths will collect and vote for me. For every Goliath, there is a David and I am the one to unseat Fayose.
“Ekiti State is not poor but needs better ideas and strong driver to create wealth and opportunities for the transformation of the state and its people.
“I will work assiduously to bring back the lost opportunities of the state and complete all abandoned projects now dotting the state so as to provide centres of economic growth and development for our people,” he said.
“Ayegbusi is troubled that the policies of government in Ekiti State have seriously impoverished the people. That explains my commitment to embark on this rescue mission to lead Ekiti people out of Egypt like Moses did for the Israelites. I have a strong desire and motivation to make Ekiti great. Being a man with great and uncommon ideas, I will inspire the people to join me in the mission to restore the dignity of Ekiti, anchored on the return of the omoluabi Ekiti to its pride of place.
I chose to step into the fray to encourage more of people like me who run away from politics. For me, Ekiti State can only regain its lost glory if quality, qualified and well-tested indigenes in every aspect of life become involved in politics and governance.”
Reminded that he might also face serious opposition from the Obasanjo-promoted African Development Congress, ADC, Ayegbusi said that his own party and other parties, including ADC, which does not have a governorship candidate in the forthcoming election, were in touch.