The Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike on Wednesday said that Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State was given the honour of commissioning a market in Port Harcourt in recognition of his leadership qualities.
Wike gave the explanation on Wednesday in Port Harcourt during the commissioning of the ultra modern Rumuwoji Market as part of activities marking the first 100 days of his second term in office.
Fayemi is also the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF.
Wike described Fayemi as a highly focused leader who did not discriminate against members of the opposition party, but saw them as partners in progress.
His words: “My brother, the Chairman of NGF, Governor Fayemi, is a great leader. He has never discriminated against opposition parties. He sees everybody as partners in progress.
“He is one of the few leaders who understand that a political party is a vehicle to get into government and that party affiliation should not bring animosity, especially when development is the focus.”
Governor Wike recalled how Governor Fayemi’s intervention helped to douse the tension that was brewing over the issue of mosque demolition in the state earlier in the month.
“He called me when he heard about the development. He came here and intervened in the matter, not minding our political party affiliation. That is leadership. And such a leader should be encouraged,” he added.
Fayemi, in a short remark before commissioning the market complex also hailed his Rivers State counterpart, Wike, for his developmental strides in the state.
He described Wike as a frontline member of the NGF, adding that he was impressed by the Rivers State governor’s penchant for people-oriented projects, which he said had earned him the nickname “Mr Project.”
Fayemi who was the special guest of honour at the event, said government was about affecting the lives of the people positively and ensuring that “we fulfil promises made during electioneering period.”
He said his role as NGF chairman was to support, protect and defend members of the forum regardless of party affiliation.
The two governors later led other dignitaries and traders on an inspection of facilities in the ultra modern market.
