Tinubu’s Choice of Fayose Is a Statement of Confidence, Not a Political Reward

By Adetunberu Oludotun PhD.

By all objective standards, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Peter Fayose, as Chairman of the Board of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is one of the most strategic appointments made by the Federal Government in recent months.
Those attempting to reduce it to mere politics are overlooking the enormous national importance of the institution and the calibre of leadership required to guide it.

The Rural Electrification Agency is not a routine government establishment. It is one of Nigeria’s most strategic intervention agencies, entrusted with expanding electricity access to rural and underserved communities through renewable energy, mini-grids, solar infrastructure and other innovative power solutions.

It manages projects worth hundreds of billions of naira and collaborates with leading international development partners, including the World Bank and the African Development Bank. Such an agency demands experienced leadership with proven administrative capacity, political dexterity and the ability to coordinate diverse stakeholders.

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President Tinubu appears to understand this reality. His recent appointments reveal a deliberate pattern of assigning seasoned political leaders to strategic federal institutions. General Buba Marwa (Rtd.) was appointed to chair the NDLEA Board, former Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shema to the FCDA Board, former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to the FAAN Board, former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura to the UBEC Board, and now former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose to chair the REA Board.

The message is unmistakable. Experience matters. Administrative competence matters. Political maturity matters. Whether one agrees with Fayose’s politics or not, it is difficult to dismiss his credentials as an experienced public administrator. Throughout his years in public office, he established himself as a courageous, energetic and highly visible leader with remarkable grassroots appeal. He demonstrated the ability to make difficult decisions, withstand intense political pressure and maintain relevance in Nigeria’s ever-changing political landscape.

Leadership at the national level requires exactly these qualities. Public institutions thrive when they are led by individuals who understand governance, appreciate accountability and possess the confidence to make decisions in the national interest.

For Ekiti State, this appointment represents another moment of pride. It is an affirmation that the state continues to produce personalities capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
Beyond the honour attached to the office, appointments of this magnitude often open legitimate opportunities for professionals, engineers, consultants, researchers and entrepreneurs to participate in national development initiatives through transparent and competitive processes.

President Tinubu has made his choice. It is now the responsibility of Chief Ayodele Peter Fayose to justify that confidence through visionary leadership, sound governance and measurable achievements.
I congratulate His Excellency, Ayodele Peter Fayose popularly known as “Oshokomole the only spirit (Irumole) a that eats cooked Jollof rice “on this important national assignment. I also commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating confidence in experienced leadership.

May this appointment translate into accelerated rural development, improved electricity access and lasting benefits for millions of Ekiti people, Irepodun and mostly Igede Community and Nigerians.
Nigeria deserves nothing less.