Alleged N40bn fraud: Investigate Fayemi or face legal action, EKHA tells EFCC

Fayemi

Ado-Ekiti — The Ekiti State House of Assembly has threatened to drag the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to Court if within 21-days it fails to investigate the allegation of N40 billion fraud made against the immediate past governor of the state and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Kayode Fayemi.


The Assembly, which accused the anti-graft agency of compromise over its failure to take action against the Minister inspite of its numerous petitions, said it would institute a legal action that would  compel the EFCC to perform its duties.

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The House of Assembly, in a letter reminding the EFCC of the petition it submitted to the commission on October 27, 2016, said; “should the EFCC fail, refuse and or neglect to act on this petition within 21 days of receipt of this letter of reminder; we shall have no option than to institute legal action against you. Consequently, we shall be asking for an order of mandamus compelling you to perform your duties according to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the EFCC Act 2004.” 

The house had submitted a petition, dated October 24, 2016 and signed by the Speaker, Pastor Kolawole Oluwawole, to the EFCC in Abuja on October 27, 2016, complaining of fraudulent practices against Dr. Fayemi, Mr Dapo Kolawole, Mr Yemi Adaramodu, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji, Arc Oyelade (CASA Nig Ltd), Mr Bayo Kelekun and others. 

However, more than three months after submitting the petition with relevant documents, the EFCC has not acted on it. 

The letter of reminder, also signed by the Speaker and submitted by the Deputy Speaker, Hon Segun Adewumi and Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Dr Samuel Omotoso reads in part; “We write to remind you of our petition dated 24th October 2016, which was submitted and duly received in your office on 27th October 2016. 

“Three months after the petition was submitted, you have refused, and or neglected to act on it. 

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“However, should you fail, refuse and or neglect to act on this petition  within 21 days of receipt of this letter of reminder; we shall have no option than to institute legal action against you. Consequently, we shall be asking for an order of mandamus compelling you to perform your duties according to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and the EFCC Act 2004.” 

Speaking to journalists after submitting the reminder, Dr Omotoso, who was flanked by Hon Adewumi said the APC led federal government was fighting corruption involving opposition with sulphuric acid while using cold water to fight the ones involving APC members and functionaries of the federal government.

Credit: Vanguard