•Ex-governor: ‘I need rest’ After some drama at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Abuja, former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose was taken into custody yesterday. The anti-graft agency is questioning Fayose over the ongoing probe of the alleged diversion N4.685billion by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The ex-governor is being grilled over the N1.3billion and $5.377million allegedly traced to him from the N4.6 billion slush funds. The ex-governor arrived at the EFCC office in Wuse 2, Abuja in a customised blue Tee-Shirt with the inscription “EFCC I’m here”. He was accompanied by his lawyer Mike Ozekhome(SAN),Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and a former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode . There was also a small crowd of supporters, some of them wearing white T-Shirts emblazoned with “Fayose, conscience of the nation” Fayose came in a black Lexus SUV. He was carrying a bag containing his dresses. The crowd was shouting Fayose’s nickname, “Oshoko” and carrying placards in praise of the ex-governor. Fayose said: “I am here in line with my promise that I will be here on the 16th of October and, like I told the EFCC, they should await my arrival. This morning, they have been to my house; they cordoned off the street which I believe was unnecessary and unwarranted. “I have promised to report; I am here now. I will be able to respond to all allegations.” As he was going into custody, Fayose told reporters: “Nobody should be afraid of the EFCC, especially when you have nothing to hide. I have remained courageous for Nigerians and I will always be with Nigerians.” He was quoted as telling detectives that he needed to rest, having worked hard for four years. He also reportedly told his interrogators: “I deny all the allegations, take me to court.” Sources said Fayose would respond to issues raised by three teams of investigators. A source added: “He made a statement where he denied all the allegations and asked the commission to take him to court. “So far, he has not responded to how he came about N1.3billion and $5.377million from ONSA. He has more issues to clarify; we are going to detain him.” The source added: “There are three teams handling the allegations against the former governor. There is a special team managing his suspended trial because he had immunity as a governor; a separate team for the N4.685b ONSA fraud and the third panel probes his just completed tenure. “Definitely, we are going to detain Fayose because he has a lot of issues to clarify.” Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC Wilson Uwujaren merely said: “The ex-governor is undergoing interrogation.” Speaking before Fayose entered the EFCC’s office, Wike said: “You can see that our brother has come to see the EFCC. He wrote a letter to the EFCC that he will submit himself on the 16th of October. He is going in hale and hearty; I believe the EFCC should know. “So let Nigerians know that he came by himself to the EFCC without anybody harassing him, so that’s why I brought him here.” Fani-Kayode said: “We came to stand with our friend. He is going in hale and hearty; we trust God he will come out this way.” Ozekhome said Nigerians were “not in the Hobbesian state which was brutish”. “This is a country governed by law and not the rule of the thumb. There should be respect for the constitution,” the lawyer said.]]>
School Of Alternative Dispute Resolution Launches Affiliate Program To Expand Reach
For more information about the Certificate in ADR Skills Training and the affiliate marketing program, visit www.schoolofadr.com, email info@schoolofadr.com, or call +2348053834850 or +2348034343955. _________________________________________________________________
NIALS' Compendia Series: Your One-Stop Solution For Navigating Nigerian Laws (2004-2023)
Email: info@nials.edu.ng, tugomak@yahoo.co.uk, Contact: For Inquiry and information, kindly contact, NIALS Director of Marketing: +2348074128732, +2348100363602.