Nigeria, April 1 -- This afternoon, in Abuja, Fayemi, or JKF as he is best known by his associates and friends, was almost carefree, as if a burden had been lifted off him. But, if one were to be truthful, he has always been unruffled, almost too easy-going for a Nigerian politician. However, as a governor, beneath that facade of calm, one would sense urgency and notice the involuntary frown now and then and how he hurried a conversation or appointment to get back to the business of governing.

But today, JKF was genial and said life outside the Ekiti government house ''has been very peaceful.'' He was quick to point out that he had been very busy. Since leaving office as governor, he has been appointed as the inaugural President of the F...