Fani-Kayode, Borishade shun food, opt for water

Published 7/5/2008 10:40:00 PM



Olusola Fabiyi, Abuja


The two former ministers of Aviation, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode and Dr. Babalola Borisade, who were on Wednesday remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission by a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Abuja, are not eating much, a source in the EFCC has said. The source, who said Fani-Kayode was cheerful while Borishade looked gloomy, disclosed that rather take their meals the two former ministers kept drinking a lot of water.

The source, who said the two ministers were only eating “minimally,” said the Commission had encouraged their aides and those of a former Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Authority, Mr Roland Iyayi, to bring food and clothes for them. He said, “Remember that they were arrested at the National Assembly. Because of this, they did not come with clothes. It was their aides and relatives that later brought food and clothes to them.

“Concerning Iyayi, I must tell you that it was the statement he made to us that led to the picking up of the former ministers. He, like others, is also calm and has been like a small boy in their midst. Iyayi still addresses them as ‘honourable ministers’ even in their present condition. That shows his level of loyalty.”

The source also revealed that Borishade rebuffed Fani-Kayode’s efforts to lift his spirit, adding that Borishade had been keeping to himself since he arrived at the EFCC.

The source added that when Fani-Kayode, who took over from him as minister of aviation, greeted Borishade, the latter only nodded his head. Later, when he made an attempt to respond to the greeting, he only muttered words that “were not audible.” The source said that the cold reception that Borishade accorded Fani-Kayode might be a product of their disagreement at the hearing of the Senate Committee on Aviation.

“Remember, before the committee both of them disagreed on how the money was spent. While Fani-Kayode said that the approval to fence the airports with N506m was given by Borishade, the latter disagreed, saying that the approval was given by Fani-Kayode himself. Borishade also said that the letter in which he was said to have given the approval was doctored by Fani-Kayode, whom he accused of smuggling in evidence, an accusation Fani-Kayode denied vehemently,” the source said.

The source expressed surprise at Fani-Kayode’s cheerful mien in custody saying, “I don’t know where Fani-Kayode got his boldness from. He never betrayed any emotion. He has been very cheerful and friendly, even with the operatives who interrogated him. He provided answers to all the questions thrown at him with ease. Both of them gave us comprehensive statements and that is what we are working on.” The source added that Fani-Kayode had a Bible that he read often with him, and that he was also praying a lot.

The former ministers and Iyayi, were charged with conspiracy, breach of trust, breach of official trust, forgery and misappropriation of about N19.5 billion government infrastructure intervention fund. The money was meant for the renovation of four international airports: Kano, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja . The accused persons were alleged to have committed the offences, which, according to the First Information Report, are punishable under Section 97, 99, 314, 364 and 309 of the Penal Code Law on June 13, 2006. They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.