‘Petition from faceless group’ — Fayemi opens up on EFCC invitation

Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti, has opened up on his recent interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 

On Thursday, TheCable reported that the ex-governor was at the zonal command of the anti-graft agency in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital.

The report said Fayemi was being interrogated over allegations of N4 billion misappropriation connected to the handling of funds during his tenure as governor.

Reacting to the news in a statement on Friday, Ahmad Sajoh, Fayemi’s media aide, acknowledged that the former governor was invited to the office of EFCC in Ilorin “regarding a money laundering petition against him”.

He added that his principal engaged “in fruitful discussions with the investigators before being allowed to depart after a few hours”.

Sajoh, however, said Fayemi was grilled on “a frivolous petition from a faceless group, the so-called Ekiti Patriotic Coalition” and that he “stands ready to cooperate fully”.

“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 (NGF), to the Ilorin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),” the statement read.

“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.

“Yesterday morning, accompanied by his Counsel, Dr. Fayemi visited the EFCC Ilorin Office, engaging in fruitful discussions with the investigators before being allowed to depart after a few hours.

“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.

“Throughout his tenure, Dr. Fayemi served the people of Ekiti State with utmost dedication and is 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.”