Fayemi not under EFCC probe as aide dismisses frivolous petition

“Petition written by a faceless group”

By Ologeh Chibu Joseph

The former Governor of Ekiti State Dr Kayode Fayemi is not being probed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), his aide has said.

The anti-corruption agency has merely received a petition by an unknown organisation desperate to tarnish the image of the former Governor.

According to the media aide of the former Ekiti State Governor, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh made available to Irohinoodua, the EFCc has the right to invite anyone even when the petition received is the most frivolous adding that honoring the invitation by Fayemi was born our of good conscience.

He said as the Governor of Ekiti State he was responsible for the development of ghe State for a period and will be anxious to defend every penny spent on projects throughout his duration.

He said the former Governor left an immaculate garment that past, present and future propaganda and smear campaigns will not be able to tarnish.

The former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi, refuted claims that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is probing him over alleged N4bn funds used for various projects in Ekiti State.

In the Statement on Friday Sajoh, said the EFCC did not raise any allegation against Fayemi adding that “no such allegation was raised during his conversation” with officials of the anti-graft agency.

He said at the Ilorin, Kwara State EFCC office Fayemi responded to the frivolous petition from a faceless group sponsored to tarnish his decades-long reputation.

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.

He said “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.

He noted further that “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.”

He said on Thursday Fayemi, with his counsel visited the EFCC office in Ilorin, and engaged in fruitful discussions with the investigators before being allowed to depart after a few hours.

He said “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.”

“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