President Muhammmadu Buhari Wednesday joined Ministers and other top government officials to bid the former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi farewell.
Fayemi, you will recall, recently quit the cabinet to contest the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti State.
The valedictory session which preceded the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting, provided an opportunity for his former colleagues to appraise his contributions while in office.
Buhari in his assessment, described Fayemi as man of sound intellect whose contributions helped the administration achieve progress, especially in the solid minerals sector.
President Buhari again canvassed for voter education so that people would get the Permanent Voters Card to elect candidates of their choice at all levels.
Buhari said but for technology, especially with the introduction of PVCs and card readers, he would have been rigged out of the 2015 presidential election.
Ministers, in their remarks, unanimously expressed belief that Fayemi was going to rescue Ekiti from the People’s Democratic Party.
The President said he reluctantly allowed Fayemi to go to his state because of his constructive contributions.
“As I sat here, I watched every minister that spoke and about his contributions, this revealed not only intellect but when he is given the necessary time to contribute to important memorandum, he made contributions. Which shows commitment to the progressive of this government and the country.”
Buhari commended Fayemi for turning the solid minerals and steel development Ministry around after it was virtually abandoned for years.
“During the colonial days, they took what they wanted from us – tin, columbite and the rest were the priorities until they struck oil somewhere, it was simply priority of investment shifted offshore.”
“When he went in, he began to deal with both Nigerians and foreigners that are exploiting the lack of commitment of those who are responsible of that sector before he went there”
The President recalled the number of children and women that suffered from the effect of mining in Zamfara State and other parts of the country and urged him to bring Ekiti back for the APC.
The President used the opportunity to call for voters Education so that ordinary Nigerians will believe that Nigeria is beginning to respect them and that their PVC is their status.
“So, we certainly wish you the best of luck but it will take me sometimes to get a substantive minister and more so with the 2019 prospects that I have already indicated.
“But we need a very very strong minister, strong in intellect and courage, so as to make sure that both the Nigerian and foreign collaborators of taking away our resources can be checked effectively.
Fayemi thanked the president for giving him the opportunity to serve and his colleagues, for their support and love.
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
