Former Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, has said the nature and policies of Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, have endeared him to Ekiti people and his political achievements have made him an Ekiti legend.
Shekarau also said, “Fayose is living in the hearts of the people,” adding that “defeating him in his state is a mirage.”
Shekarau, who is also a former Minister of Education, said the affection the governor showed to the people of the state could be seen in the various policies and projects the governor was executing in the state.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Idowu Adelusi, in Ado-Ekiti, on Saturday, said Shekarau made the remarks during a visit to Ado-Ekiti.
Shekarau, who was taken round some projects by Governor Fayose, said he was overwhelmed by the close relationship between Fayose and the people of the state.
He, therefore, charged Nigerian leaders to emulate Fayose by identifying with their people and meeting their needs.
“I am not surprised by the great performance of Governor Ayodele Fayose in Ekiti State. We were governors at the same time in 2003, though we were in different political parties, he did wonderfully well then too.
“I am impressed by the projects being executed by the governor, despite the recession in the country and the small statutory allocations coming to the state.
“More than physical infrastructure, the governor is so affectionate that the people have seen him as a leader they can rely on and lean on his shoulders, as he is very accessible,” he said.
“When you show affection to the people, they create a space for you in their hearts and you literally live there.
The people of Ekiti have done that for Fayose. He is living in their hearts. That is what Prophet Mohammed (SAW) also taught. That we make positive impact on the lives of others,” he said.
The former governor? also said Fayose was always overcoming challenges and obstacles because he makes God his pillar and urged him to continue to do so.