By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The out-gone Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has indicated his readiness to cooperate if the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) needs further clarification regarding the petition that recently saw him being a guest of the anti-graft agency.

He spoke Friday via a statement by his Media Office in which he addressed concerns surrounding his invitation and subsequent visit to the Ilorin Zonal Office of EFCC.

The statement signed by Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Head, the Fayemi Media Office, Abuja, 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.

“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.

“Thursday 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.”

He Insisted that throughout Fayemi’s tenure, he served the people of Ekiti State with utmost dedication and is renowned for his principled leadership.

Sajoh added: “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 ex-governor of Ekiti State was the former Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF.