Businessman Isaac Fayose has publicly urged his elder brother, former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, to reject his recent appointment as Chairman of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) by President Bola Tinubu. In a video posted on social media, Isaac described the appointment as disrespectful and beneath the stature of his brother, who served as governor for eight years.
Appointment announced Monday
President Tinubu appointed Ayo Fayose as chairman of the REA board on Monday, July 20. The announcement came as part of a broader set of board appointments for various federal agencies. Isaac Fayose expressed his displeasure in a video, arguing that the position does not match his brother's political pedigree.
Isaac's criticism
In the video, Isaac Fayose said: "A whole Fayose? Board? Even Reno Omokri whose generation hasn't been a governor before was made an ambassador. So many people on the ambassadorial list do not have your CV…They didn't even make you Minister? Even Wike who you trained….Wike was a PA to someone when you were governor…They did not make Wike board or head of a parastatal, they now made a whole you chairman of a board….Reject it!"
Isaac compared his brother's appointment unfavorably to that of others, including former presidential aide Reno Omokri, who was appointed ambassador, and Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who was a former governor of Rivers State. Isaac noted that Wike, whom he claimed Ayo Fayose mentored, was given a ministerial portfolio rather than a board chairmanship.
Background of Ayo Fayose
Ayo Fayose served as Governor of Ekiti State from 2003 to 2007 and again from 2014 to 2018. He is a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has been a vocal critic of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government. His appointment to the REA board, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Power, has surprised many given his political affiliation.
The Rural Electrification Agency is responsible for implementing Nigeria's rural electrification projects, including off-grid and mini-grid solutions. The board chairman role is largely ceremonial and oversight in nature, unlike the executive powers of a minister or governor.
Reactions and implications
Isaac's call for rejection has sparked debate on social media, with some agreeing that the appointment is a political slight while others argue that any appointment is an opportunity to serve. Neither Ayo Fayose nor the presidency has responded to Isaac's comments as of press time.
The video was shared by popular blogger Linda Ikeji on her Instagram page, drawing thousands of views and comments. Isaac Fayose is known for his outspoken nature and often comments on national issues and his brother's political career.
