Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose said yesterday that the newly inaugurated governor’s lodge, built by the former governor, Kayode Fayemi, will be too expensive for his government to maintain.

Fayose, who said this while swearing-in the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Beatrice Alade, and special assistants, also promised that his government would reserve 35 per cent of appointments for women.

The special assistants include Mr. Idowu Adelusi, who is Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,

Barrister Owoseni Ajayi, Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Kayode Oso, Works and Infrastructure and Mr. Sola Owoeye, who is Special Adviser on Protocol.

Mrs. Sola Olowookere was appointed Personal Assistant to the Governor, Abuja; Chief Toyin Ojo, Finance; Mr. Sunday Anifowose, Special Duties and Stomach Infrastructure; Mr. Sunday Omosilade, Personal Assistant, Domestic Matters; Mr. Lere Olayinka, Information and Social Media; and Lanre Ogunsuyi, Information and Civic Orientation.

Fayose alleged that the former governor constructed the edifice at the cost of N2.7 billion with an annual N150 million to maintain it.

He added: “It is not right, it is heartless for a governor to lavish N3.3 billion on a house when people of the state are hungry. It will cost the government N150 million annually to maintain; that is not sustainable.”

He said the appointment of a woman as SSG was to demonstrate that his government is gender friendly.

“I promise that women are going to get 35 per cent of available appointments, not only in government but in the state House of Assembly. I plead with our men to stand down when we ask them to do so for good women,” he said.

Fayose urged the appointees to use their wealth of experience in building the state, adding that his mission is to work for all Ekiti people.

•Source: Daily Trust. Photo shows Governor Fayose.