Fayemi Denies EFCC Probe
Former Ekiti State Governor and ex-Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has categorically denied being the subject of an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigation into an alleged N4 billion fraud.
In a statement released on Friday by the Head of the Fayemi Media Office, Abuja, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, it was asserted that during Fayemi’s recent visit to the EFCC, no accusations of wrongdoing were brought up in his discussions with the agency’s officials.
The statement further clarified that the sole purpose of Fayemi’s encounter with the EFCC in Ilorin, Kwara State, was to address a baseless petition submitted by a group aiming to tarnish his esteemed reputation and image.
The statement read, “We would like to address the concerns surrounding the invitation and subsequent visit of Dr Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, to the Ilorin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“Last month, Dr Fayemi received an invitation from the Ilorin office of the EFCC regarding a money laundering petition against him. It was during the height of the preparations for the change of government, with many activities and programmes lined up as part of the event.
“A key member of the APC, Dr Fayemi was already committed to playing important roles at these events and his non-appearance would have impacted them significantly. Understanding the significance of his commitments at that time, Dr Fayemi duly notified the EFCC of his willingness to cooperate but requested a more suitable date for his appearance.”
Accompanied by his legal representative, Dr. Kayode Fayemi paid a visit to the EFCC office in Ilorin on Thursday. Engaging in constructive deliberations with the investigators, he was granted permission to leave after a brief period of time.
It added, “We firmly believe that Dr Fayemi’s visit has provided answers to the agency’s inquiries regarding the petition. However, should there be a need for further clarification, Dr Fayemi stands ready to cooperate fully.
“We wish to note, too, that contrary to the news that made the rounds about a purported N4b fraud case against Dr Fayemi, no such allegation was raised in his conversation with the EFCC.
“All he did was respond to a frivolous petition from a faceless group, the so-called Ekiti Patriotic Coalition, which we strongly believed is a front for some anti-Fayemi politicians, who are trying to soil the former governor’s good name and image.”
The statement said throughout Fayemi’s tenure, he served the people of Ekiti State with utmost dedication and was renowned for his principled leadership.
“As governor, he consistently demonstrated a profound commitment to the welfare of the citizens, driving notable advancements in infrastructure development and attracting valuable investment opportunities to the state.
“We affirm that Dr Fayemi will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity that he’s known for, and we trust that the truth will prevail in due course,” the statement said.
