Emmanuel Thomas I October 28, 2016
Nigeria – Ekiti State House of Assembly is angry with the ex-governor of the state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi who has been appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as Minister for Solid Minerals.
The lawmakers are angry about shocking discovery of billions of Naira which the former governor allegedly cornered through dubious contracts and on Thursday, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Kolawole Oluwawole was forced to send a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja detailing how the minister allegedly defrauded the state.
The speaker which directed the anti-graft agency to pursue the matter with urgency said it is miffed that similar petitions submitted to the commission by the people of Ekiti state was not attended to.
“In view of the need for an all inclusive anti-corruption fight, we implore that you act promptly by directing thorough investigation into the alleged fraudulent practices enumerated above with a view to bringing anyone culpable to justice”, he said.
According to the petition, Fayemi obtained N1.2 Billion loan from First Bank Nigeria Plc for the purchase of 235 Ford unit from Coscharis for traditional rulers but that Coscharis delivered only 156 vehicles.
“Up till today 79 vehicles are yet to be accounted for”, he said.
The lawmakers noted that proposal to supply the vehicles was submitted in November 14, 2013 yet the vehicles were delivered in August 2013.
Besides, the lawmakers noted that Coscharis which supplied the vehicles only registered as a civil building contractor on November 13, 2013 and submitted proposal for supply of the vehicles on November 14, 2013 and the vehicles were delivered in August and distributed in August 27, 2013.
It added that tracking on the vehicles was done September 13, 2013 and certificate of no objection to procure the vehicles was issued in February 24, 2014.
According to the petition, Fayemi inflated contracts running into several billions.
The petitioners said he constructed old garage-Ojumose 0.8 Km , (Ado -Ekiti road) through Heartland Nigeria Ltd at a cost of N866, 872, 873. 13 and that he diverted local government funds for payment of contracts awarded by state.
Fayemi is also alleged to have awarded contract for the construction of a Civic Centre to Tianjin-Yuyang Construction Eng Ltd on August 30, 2012 at a cost of N2,573, 584, 395. 75 with consultancy awarded to CASA Nigeria Ltd on June 11, 2012 at cost of N137, 611,325.07.
The petitioners noted that at the end of 2012, a sum of N643, 396,098.94 was paid ( about 25 percent) to the construction company while the consultant, CASA was paid N89, 801,901.06.
They further alleged that Fayemi awarded contract for the construction of new government house at an initial cost of N2, 054, 573, 822 to Kouris Construction Nigeria Ltd in July 27, 2012 but that two years later an additional N730,186, 636.87 was awarded to the same company in October 10, 2014, just 5 days to the end of Dr. Kayode Fayemi’s tenure as governor of Ekiti State but that Fayemi claimed it was payment for omission on original bill of quantities for the project.
They also accused Fayemi of diversion of funds from Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board.
According to them, the sum of N852,936, 713.92 was withdrawn illegally from ESUBEB’s Access Bank Account nos 0065385694 on October 8, 2014, just eight days to the end of his tenure as governor of Ekiti State.
Fayemi is also alleged to have awarded contract worth N596, 151,159.10 for the construction of walkways and beautification of Ado Ekiti to 9 contractors(among them a commissioner in his cabinet ) and that the total sum of N305,165,425.90 was paid whereas nothing impressive was done on site.
They alleged that the accomplice were Mr. Dapo Kolawole, Yemi Adaramodu,Abiodun Oyebanji and Are Oyelade(CASA), Bayo Kelekun and Interkel Nigeria Ltd.
“ In view of the need for an all inclusive anti-corruption fight, we implore that you act promptly by directing thorough investigation into the alleged fraudulent practices enumerated above with a view to bringing anyone culpable to justice”, the lawmakers said.
