Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has praised former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose on his 64th birthday, describing him as a dependable ally and a steadfast political figure.
In a goodwill message issued on Friday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike lauded Fayose as a “valuable friend and brother” whose honesty and clarity in dealing with issues stand out.
“I rejoice with my friend and brother, former Governor of Ekiti State, Peter Ayodele Fayose, Osokomole, on his attainment of 64 years on earth today, November 15, 2024,” the statement read.
Wike highlighted Fayose’s significant contributions to Nigerian politics and his indelible legacy in Ekiti State, emphasizing his unwavering character.
“Fayose is a man whose ‘yes is yes and no is no.’ He is a valuable friend and brother who never pretends about where he stands on issues. His footprints in Ekiti State remain indelible, making him a reference point in Nigerian politics,” Wike said.
The FCT Minister also attributed Fayose’s longevity and achievements to divine grace, urging him to continue his service to the nation.
“The attainment of this age is no doubt a confirmation of the grace the Almighty God has bestowed on him and a challenge for more service to our country, Nigeria. It is my prayer that God will continue to make the days of our own Osokomole on earth fruitful, with immeasurable blessings and robust health,” Wike added.
Fayose, fondly called Osokomole by his admirers, remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, celebrated for his forthrightness and grassroots connection.
Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, has criticized human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) over his remarks against the construction of houses for judges and justices by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Falana had described the initiative as unconstitutional and an embarrassment to the judiciary, insinuating that it could compromise judicial independence. However, Olayinka, in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, dismissed Falana’s claims as “a display of emotions and sentiments,” defending the FCTA’s decision as lawful and necessary.
“There is nothing wrong with the Federal Government providing accommodations for judges as well as officials of other arms of government,” Olayinka said. He argued that while democracy upholds the principle of separation of powers, the concept of checks and balances ensures that no arm of government operates in absolute isolation.
The controversy centers on the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) September approval of 40 housing units for judges in the Katampe District of the FCT. The allocation includes 20 units for the FCT High Court, 10 for the Federal High Court, and 10 for the Court of Appeal.
Falana had cautioned that such actions could undermine judicial independence, stating, “You cannot be seen to be giving cars or houses to judges who are going to determine your cases.”
In response, Olayinka posed a series of rhetorical questions to challenge Falana’s argument. “Wouldn’t there still be need for land from the FCT Ministry if the houses were to be built by the judiciary? And if it is about exercising influence, is the allocation of lands not enough? Should we also say that bringing the judiciary’s budget to the National Assembly for approval will influence judges?”
He further questioned whether providing judges with police security, hospital access, or anti-corruption oversight could also be deemed as compromising their independence. “Should judges create their own hospitals or operate in seclusion to avoid influence?” he quipped.
