VOICE AIR MEDIA News Update
THE former governor of Ekiti State and former chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has denied that he is under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for an alleged N4 billion fraud.
Fayemi stated in a statement released on Friday by the Head of the Fayemi Media Office in Abuja, Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, that “no such allegation was raised during his conversation” with EFCC officials.
The statement noted, however, that all Fayemi did during his conversation with EFCC officials in Ilorin, Kwara State, was respond to a petition from a group attempting to tarnish his reputation.
The statement read, “We would like to address concerns regarding the invitation and subsequent visit of Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti State and chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, to the Ilorin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“Dr. Fayemi received an invitation from the Ilorin office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding a money laundering petition filed against him last month. It was the height of the preparations for the change of government, with numerous activities and programmes planned for the occasion.
“As a prominent member of the APC, Dr. Fayemi was already committed to playing significant roles at these events, and his absence would have had a significant impact on them.
Dr. Fayemi, recognising the significance of his obligations at the time, notified the EFCC of his willingness to cooperate but requested a more convenient date for his appearance.”
According to the statement, Fayemi, accompanied by his attorney, visited the EFCC office in Ilorin on Thursday and engaged in fruitful discussions with the investigators before being permitted to depart a few hours later.
It continued, “We are confident that Dr. Fayemi’s visit has answered the agency’s questions about the petition.
Dr. Fayemi is, however, willing to fully cooperate should additional clarification be required.
“We would also like to note that, contrary to rumours circulating about a supposed N4 billion fraud case against Dr. Fayemi, no such allegation was brought up during his conversation with the EFCC.
“All he did was respond to a frivolous petition from an anonymous group, the so-called Ekiti Patriotic Coalition, which we believe is a front for anti-Fayemi politicians attempting to tarnish the former governor’s good name and reputation.”
Fayemi served the people of Ekiti State with the utmost dedication and was renowned for his principled leadership, according to the statement. “As governor, he consistently exhibited a profound dedication to the welfare of the citizens, driving notable advancements in infrastructure development and attracting valuable investment opportunities for the state.
The statement stated, “We affirm that Dr. Fayemi will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity for which he is known, and we have faith that the truth will prevail in due time.”
