The EPCF in a statement was reacting to a press release issued by one Ahmad Sajoh, in which he made reference to the forum as a "faceless group" – a press release believed to have been issued by one of Fayemi’s proxies.
The Ekiti Patriotic Consultative Forum (EPCF) has advised a former Governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, to come out clean of all the allegations against him currently on the diversion of about N20billion loan meant for public projects and if the need arises, “make a refund of all the allegedly stolen funds.”
The EPCF in a statement was reacting to a press release issued by one Ahmad Sajoh, in which he made reference to the forum as a "faceless group" – a press release believed to have been issued by one of Fayemi’s proxies.
SaharaReporters had on June 1 reported that the Ekiti Patriotic Consultative Forum (EPCF) wrote to the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), asking it to investigate and prosecute the former governor of the state for allegedly diverting public funds meant for the construction of the state's abandoned cargo airport and other capital projects.
This was stated in a letter dated May 10, 2023, and addressed to the agency's chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, requesting that the alleged fraudulent conduct of Fayemi and his cronies should be investigated.
These alleged scams include the allocation of fraudulent security votes for himself as governor, contract inflation, money laundering, and the theft of monies intended for the State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) scheme.
In October 2022, the Cargo Airport in Ekiti State was officially opened by Fayemi. At 10.20 a.m., an ATR 42 from the Nigerian Air Force touched down on the airport's runway. Dr. Fayemi claimed the airport was of a world-class standard, but the runaway is 3.2 km long and 60 metres wide.
In another statement in reaction to the purported release by Ahmad Sajoh, the EPCF advised Fayemi to come out clean on the allegations rather than resorting to “gonzo journalism.”
The forum on Tuesday said, “Our attention has been drawn to a press release issued by one Ahmad Sajoh, and we would like to address the reference made to our group as a "faceless group." As the group in question, we feel it is important to provide clarity and shed light on the true nature of our group. We would not have honoured the claim with any response because we knew that the press release was meant to dwarf and undermine the ongoing investigation of financial impropriety against Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the former Governor of Ekiti State, by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
“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 emphasise 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 practising 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 emphasise that our group is comprised 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. 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.
“Furthermore, we actively engage with the system and work tirelessly to make a positive impact by ensuring accountability and probity in governance in the state. Our intention is never to be faceless but rather to be inclusive, approachable, and receptive for the betterment of Ekiti State.
“We strongly believe in accountability, probity, transparency, and making sure that Ekiti's scarce resources do not find their way into any private purse or are used for something that will not benefit the majority of our people. We are open to dialogue and collaboration with every patriotic Ekiti, as we value the power of collective effort and the contributions of everyone. Our group fosters an environment where ideas are shared, debated, and refined, ultimately leading to informed decisions and actions like we have currently.
“In light of the above, we won’t allow this ongoing investigation of the EFCC to be reduced to gonzo journalism activities. We do think the appropriate thing to do by the former governor is to come out clean of all the allegations against him currently and equally prepare to provide answers to those emerging ones, and if the need arises, he should make a refund of all the allegedly stolen funds.
“We kindly request that you reconsider referring to our group as "faceless" in any future communications. We believe that accurate representation is vital to maintaining fair and objective public discourse. We are more than willing to engage in further discussions or provide additional information about our group's work and core values.
“In conclusion, part of the hallmark of leadership is the ability to render account 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 laundering.”