By Sola Popoola
A member of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Adeoye Aribasoye, has rejoiced with the Speaker, Hon Funminiyi Afuye, on the occasion of his 66th birthd anniversary describing him as a man of strong character and competence.
The All Progress Congress (APC) chieftain and lawmaker, representing Ikole constituency two in the Assembly, was emphatic that Afuye, had etched his name in gold, by his participations in the Nigeria’s struggle for return to full blown democracy, as a member of the defunct National Democratic Coalition(NADECO).
The Human Rights Lawyer saluted Afuye for posing as a stabiliser in the Assembly in the last three years through robust cooperation with Governor Kayode Fayemi to usher in a new Dawn in Ekiti via effective institutionalisation and implementation of government’s policies and programmes.
Aribasoye said this in a statement on Monday, congratulating Afuye on his 66th birthday .
Going down memory lane, Aribasoye specifically showered encomiums on Afuye’s steadfastness and consistency in the progressive fold since the Second Republic, when he was an active member of the Youth wing of the Chief Obafemi Awolowo-led Unity Party of Nigeria(UPN)
Aribasoye said Afuye’s strong character and integrity have largely responsible for why he commands respect among politicians across the Southwest and the nation at large, adding that the young stock of politicians like him have a lot to learn from the Speaker.
“Let me on behalf of my family greets the Honourable Speaker, Funminiyi Afuye on his 66th birthday. This marks a milestone in his life and political career. God sparing him to this present time in spite of his activities during the military Junta speaks volume and worth celebrating.
“Hon Afuye is one politician with a class and clairvoyance. He had demonstrated reliability at every stage of his political career from his youthful and vitality days under UPN, where he played pivotal role as a relatively young man, but with a strong and unwavering focus for good governance.
“We could also attest to the roles Hon. Afuye played in the return of progressive party to power in Ekiti State between 2007-2010. He proved to be a reliable ally to Governor Kayode Fayemi by the role he played tenaciously as leader of APC lawmakers in the Assembly and later the Majority Leader.
“He navigated the bumpy and turtuous paths with other like-minds to give the then Action Congress of Nigeria a strong voice in Ekiti and worked for its eventual return to power.
“He was one of the lieutenants that weathered the scorching weather with Governor Fayemi for three and half years until progressive government berthed in Ekiti in 2010.
“His role under the present Assembly was also rewarding and enigmatic. He has been instrumental to the progress and development being witnessed under Governor Fayemi-led government. His leadership and partnership with the executive was superb
“I join myriad of your supporters in offering prayers for long life and good health for this priceless Ekiti citizen, for him to continue to contribute more precious services to humanity, Ekiti and the nation at large”, Aribasoye said.