The immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has shed more light on why he was invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This is as he explained that it has nothing to do with financial misappropriation allegations.
Recall, Theliberationnews, on Thursday, reported that Dr Fayemi who governed Ekiti State during two spells, 2010 to 2014 and 2018 to 2022 reported himself to the Ilorin office of the anti-graft agency where he was grilled over the alleged misappropriation of N4 billion while he was governor.
Reacting to the reports in a statement issued by his media aide, Ahmad Sajoh, on the alleged N4 billion laundering claim, he said that “no such allegation was raised during his conversation” with the EFCC operatives.
He said: “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.
“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 N4bn 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.”
