Ekiti Group Claims Responsibility For Petitioning EFCC Against Former Governor Fayemi

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti Patriotic Coalition, has advised former Governor Kayode Fayemi, to face reality and account for over N100 billion, allegedly, squandered by his administration.

The Group, on Monday, claimed responsibility for the petition which spurred the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to invite the immediate past governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi on allegations of over N100 billion fraud.

Fayemi in a release had refuted allegations of probe by EFCC, saying that he was only invited over a petition written by a faceless group.

The release signed by his media aide, Ahmad Sajoh stated that all the former governor did while with EFCC 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.”

The Group’s secretary, Mr Gbenga Babawibe,  said the group “comprises of individuals who share a common vision and commitment towards the development and growth of Ekiti State to fulfil the aspirations of her founding fathers.

“While we understand that labels can sometimes be used in a descriptive manner, referring to our group as “faceless” creates a perception that fails to capture the essence of who we are and what we stand for.

“We believe it is crucial to emphasize the core values and principles that define our group rather than focus on superficial characteristics.

“Firstly, the petition against Dr. Fayemi was signed by the secretary of our group, Gbenga Babawibe, Esq. A practicing lawyer, known by the majority of the elite class and people of Ekiti State.

“Such a group cannot be considered a faceless group because the name and signature of the Secretary have given face to the group, if at all the former Governor does not know the group.

“Also, the readiness of the group to stand by their petition is another angle on the identity of the group. However, the gaffe can be pardoned owing to the fact that Ahmad Sajoh is not from Ekiti, and he would not have known our group or the secretary of the group who signed the petition.

“We would like to emphasize that our group comprised of individuals who share a common vision and commitment towards the development and growth of Ekiti State to fulfill the aspirations of her founding fathers.

“We are patriots and technocrats, driven by a shared passion for our home state, from various villages, towns, and professions, all working together towards a common goal, which is the development of Ekiti State.

“Part of the hallmark of leadership is the ability to render accounts transparently when called to do so and being bold enough to answer any question about every kobo spent while in the saddle without necessarily rushing to the media for damage control or image.”