Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, has vehemently refuted recent reports suggesting his interest in vying for the governorship position in Ekiti State. The denial comes amidst circulating posters on social media positioning Alake as a gubernatorial aspirant with the slogan ‘Take it Back.’
In a statement issued by Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals, Alake categorically stated that he has no intention to participate in the governorship election in Ekiti State, whether in the present or future.
The statement emphasized the Minister’s dedication to his current national assignment, leading efforts to reform and revamp the Solid Minerals sector in Nigeria. Tomori highlighted that President Bola Tinubu had entrusted Alake with the responsibility, and he remains fully committed to the task at hand.
“It is unconscionable that the Honourable Minister, who is busy with the onerous task of reforming and revamping the Solid Minerals sector in Nigeria, a responsibility committed to him by President Bola Tinubu, will leave that to be plotting for an election in Ekiti State,” Tomori asserted.
The Minister’s media aide emphasized Alake’s relentless efforts to transform the solid minerals sector, aiming to make it a significant revenue earner for the country while creating numerous high-paying jobs for Nigerians.
Tomori dismissed the circulating poster as unauthorized and fake, asserting that Alake neither approved nor had knowledge of the individuals behind it. He urged the public to discard the misleading information.
“We want to state clearly that the Honourable Minister will not be distracted by the antics of disgruntled elements. He supports the current administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji in Ekiti, and as a proud son of the soil, Dr. Alake will continue to contribute to the growth and progress of Ekiti State,” Tomori declared.
