Reports alleging financial recklessness against Gov. Fayemi misleading -EKSG

The Ekiti State Government has described a media report accusing Gov. Kayode Fayemi of squandering state funds on chartered flights for political activities as “misleading”

A statement by Mr Yinka Oyebode, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said on Friday in Ado-Ekiti that the report, which generalised activities of some governors seeking the presidential seat in 2023, was “inaccurate”

The report had accused the governors, including Fayemi, of “squandering millions on private jets” as they criss-cross the country in the search for votes.

“It (the report) is bereft of facts which made it fall short of journalistic standards,” he declared.

Oyebode wondered how the medium arrived at the number of chartered flights purportedly taken by the Governor in the course of his recent political activities, which it put at 16.

He reiterated that Fayemi was not in the habit of using state resources for his personal or political trips, saying that such political trips were “distinct from official trips”.

“For the avoidance of doubt, while it is correct that Fayemi occasionally uses private jets to get to some difficult-to-reach places and when commercial flights disappoint, such journeys are more often supported by friends.

“It must be stated that Fayemi does not use state resources for his personal or political trips, as these are distinct from official trips.

“While we do not dispute the role of the media to inform the public, we are of the opinion that such should be done with due regard for fairness and accuracy of information.

“We, therefore, challenge those hurling the allegations to provide evidence that Ekiti State funds are used for private jets. Otherwise, we demand that the claims be retracted.”

The statement claimed that Fayemi is a man of high ethical standards who respects the tenets of financial discipline and accountability in his public service engagements.