Heeding the Call to Service

Over the last two decades, I have been privileged to play important roles in the struggle to get rid of bad governance and undemocratic rule in Nigeria and many parts of Africa. For the most part, these were roles played largely behind the scenes – only known to central players in our democratic struggle and to discerning observers of the political terrain.

Many who were privy to the manner in which these tasks were undertaken had spent the last six years of civilian, democratic rule urging me to play a more active role in partisan politics, believing that I have a lot to offer our country and people. Although not a-political in any way, I have consistently rebuffed entreaties to throw my hat in the ring of partisan politics, even as I have continued to play critical roles in public policy transformation in Nigeria and the rest of Africa. My reluctance to enter the fray of partisan politics was not borne out of an attempt to feign humility.   Indeed, it was the result of both political and personal considerations. Politically, I was sceptical of the rushed transition programme that ushered in civilian rule in 1999, since it was not anchored on a national conference on our future. On a personal note, I was reluctant to compromise my behind the scene roles unless I was sure the public space would offer even better opportunities to make fundamental difference in our peoples’ lives.

As we begin the consolidation of our fragile democracy, I have come to the conclusion that it would be wrong for quality minds not to heed the call to service by well-meaning compatriots. Important as it is to contribute to the process of rescuing our nation and putting it in the direction of genuine federalism and true democracy behind the scene, I believe it’s time to come out of the shadows and engage in the urgent task of rescuing our State from the inexorable path towards chaos and disaster. Ekitiland deserves no less from concerned and committed indigenes.

I am convinced it is time to arrest the crude privatisation of power that has undermined our collective development in the last two years. I believe I possess some qualities that can help transform Ekitiland into the cynosure of all eyes. I am confident that the citizens of our State possess a collective resolve to stop the rot and pursue the path of honour, integrity, hardwork and peace for which we are known in the quest to ensure holistic development.

I offer myself not as your leader, but as your servant. I present myself not as one having all the solutions to the problems plaguing Ekiti State but as someone who believes that the search for enduring solutions must begin with the building of genuine collective consensus. I see you as a major stakeholder in this consensus building process. I solicit your understanding and support and invite you to join hands with me in this collective rescue mission.

Yours sincerely,

Kayode Fayemi