Igbinedion writes EFCC January 14, 2008 | posted by Mobolaji Aluko (Archives)

 

NEW NIGERIAN

January 15, 2008

 

Igbinedion writes EFCC

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From ANDREW OROLUA, Abuja

Embattled former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion said yesterday that he would make himself available on January 21 for trial on corrupt charges levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes commission (EFCC).

Chief Igbinedion, who was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last week, said in a statement issued by his counsel, Abdullahi Ibrahim (SAN), that he was embrarassed and scandalised by media publications which alleged that “Bench Warrant” has been issued by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja for his arrest.

The former governor said that he has honoured all invitations to meet with the officials of the commission brought to his attention. He said on June 13 and 14, 2007 short his trip abroad and returned to the country to honour the invitation of the commission.

 He recalled that at that meeting he did inform the commission that he was traveling back abroad and they had no objection.

In this circumstance, Chief Igbinedion noted, “the surreptitious manner in which the said Bebch Warrant was obtained and the wide publicity given to it and the charges allegedly filed was done in bad faith at the very least.”

Stating that he is a responsible and reputable citizen of this great country and two-term governor of Edo State, Chief Igbinedion said he is ready to face the trial.

He said he is innocent of all the allegations which are being serialised in the media.