Fayose explains concept of ‘stomach infrastructure’

The Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has described any policy of any administration that cannot put food on the table of the people as irrelevant.

The governor also insisted that every civil servant, especially the eight newly sworn-in permanent secretaries, that got promotion through the back door would not be spared by his administration.

Fayose, while speaking at Ado Central Mosque after the Jumat service on Friday, explained that his concept of “stomach infrastructure” is to ensure the provision of food on the table of all Ekiti State people.

The governor was at the mosque to thank God for his emergence as the governor and the success of the inauguration held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium on Thursday.

The governor had on Thursday, shortly after his inauguration, appointed SundayAnifowose as Personal Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties and Stomach Infrastructure.

Fayose, who came to the mosque with two cows and 10 bags of branded rice as gift, said he was presenting the items “for your stomach infrastructure.”

He added: “My administration will banish poverty and hunger from Ekiti State.

“The concept of my Stomach Infrastructure, which has given me fame and acceptability with the people of Ekiti State, remains an integral part of this administration.

“Physical infrastructure and urban renewal will continue to play its own role in the development of any nation.

“It is only the living who are hale and hearty that can enjoy such infrastructure.

“Stomach infrastructure is not about food alone.

“It is also about the welfare of the people.

“Welfare of the people is also about health, provision of drugs, eradication of diseases, clothing and housing.

“All these are the basic essentials of life without which physical infrastructure will be meaningless.”

In his sermon at the Jumat service, the Chief Imam of Ekiti State, Alhaji Jamiu Kewulere, urged the governor to rule with the fear of God.

The Islamic cleric, who quoted from the Quoran to buttress his point, also urged the governor not to let down the common people who voted for him.

Kewulere said: “Your good performance during your first tenure is earning you a second time.”

The chief imam also pleaded with the governor not to demote the eight new permanent secretaries inaugurated by former Governor Kayode Fayemi, saying doing so could demoralise them.

But the governor remained adamant about their impending demotion, saying their promotion was politically motivated.