…Our client is engaged, too busy — Lawyer defends
A former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi confirmed the invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over money laundering allegations.
However, he pleaded with the commission to allow him present a book in honour of the President, Muhammadu Buhari, today, May 19, before honouring the agency’s invitation.
The two-term ex-Governor also said that he had committed himself to other programmes between May 19 and 24 before he received the invitation.
He has written the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on his inability to honour the invitation of the anti-graft agency.
The anti-graft Agency had in its letter of invitation dated May 12, 2023 invited the former Governor for an interview in connection with alleged money laundering with its Zonal Head, Economic Governance Section.
The interview was scheduled for May 18, 2023 at 10am.
Fayemi’s response was contained in a letter dated May 15, 2023, prepared by his Lawyer and addressed to: the Zonal Commander, EFCC, Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria.
However, in a letter by his lawyer, which was obtained by Nigerian NewsDirect, Fayemi notified EFCC that he would not be able to honour the invitation as the schedule clashes with another national assignment he has a day after, but which he is deeply involved in planning and has central role to play.
The lawyer informed the EFCC that Fayemi would not be able to make the invitation as he is billed to attend a public presentation of two books in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari.
However, in a follow-up letter, the ex-Governor stated that he is one of the organisers and reviewers of one of the books published in Buhari’s honour.
“Our client is in receipt of your letter of invitation dated 12th May 2023 for an appointment on Thursday, 18th of May, 2023,” Fayemi’s lawyer noted.
The letter read, “Our client is engaged on the 18th day of May 2023 as he is preparing for a public presentation and launching of two new books in honour of President Muhammadu Buhari, titled: ‘State of Repair: How President Muhammad Buhari Tried to Change Nigeria For Good’ by Anthony Goldman and ‘The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari’ by Abu Ibrahim slated for 19th May 2023 at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja by 10:00 a.m.
“Our client is one of the organisers of the programme and will review one of the books. Our client has also committed himself to other programs between May 19, 2023 and May 24, 2023 before he received your invitation.
“We regret to inform you that our client will not be able to honour your invitation on the 18th May 2023 against the backdrop of the foregoing information.”
However, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be sworn in as president on May 29.
Fayemi was Governor of Ekiti from 2010 to 2014 and 2018 to 2022. The ex-Governor is considered an ally of Tinubu.
His invitation on allegations of money laundering came on the heels of his predecessor, Ayodele Fayose, facing an amended 11-count money laundering charge by the EFCC.
The letter said Fayemi’s invitation was made in pursuant to section 38 (1) & (2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004.