Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti says Nigeria is still worth fighting for, despite ongoing challenges across the country.
Mr. Fayemi, one of the presidential hopefuls on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, spoke on Wednesday during his visit to Ibadanland’s Olubadan, Olalekan Balogun, at his Alarere residence in Ibadan.
According to him, although the country’s youth may want to give up Nigeria for many justifiable reasons, “I think Nigeria is still worth fighting for.”
Mr. Fayemi’s visit came days after Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visited Olubadan to seek his blessings on his presidential ambition.
Last year, Balogun’s predecessor on the Olubadan stool, the late Saliu Adetunji, endorsed former Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu’s bid for the presidency.
Mr Fayemi, the president of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF)he said that his desire to occupy the highest position in the nation was for the progress of the country.
According to him, Nigeria needs people with ability, competence and courage.
“We need leaders with the courage to do the right thing, which may not be popular,” Fayemi said.
He said that there are many people who have the ability and competence throughout the country, but they lack courage.
The NGF president said his intention to run for the presidential seat in 2023 was not ambition, “but a call of duty to build a better Nigeria.”
“What I think we want is peace, progress and development of the country. That is what our parents claimed.
“Having supported many in the past to make it to the top, I feel it is time to look in our direction.
“I have been consulting and it was the consultation process that brought me before His Imperial Majesty as the father of politicians,” Fayemi said.
He said that his position as president of NGF has allowed him to get to know the country better.
The governor of Ekiti said that he can address the problem of national cohesion, insecurity and other challenges facing the nation.
He sought prayers from Olubadan, saying that his position in Ibadan, Yorubaland and Nigeria in general could not be overstated.
In response, Mr. Balogun praised Mr. Fayemi for his passion for the unity and progress of the country.
The traditional ruler praised the candidate for the person he is, saying, “his ideological orientation, disdain for self-interest and pursuit of the national interest.”
He did, however, pray for Mr. Fayemi and wish him good luck in his quest to win the APC presidential ticket.
