N10BN: BANKOLE ASKS EFCC FOR TIME

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, yesterday failed to honour his summon by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC]. Rather, he pleaded to be given a new date to appear before a crack team of investigators set up to interrogate him over the controversial N10billion loan and sundry other allegations.

Contrary to expectations of officials of the anti-graft agency and reporters who had laid siege in anticipation of his arrival at 11.30am, Bankole failed to show up. Rather, he sought extension of time via a letter from the Clerk of the House to the EFCC chairman, Mrs. Farida Waziri.

He cited his involvement in some handover ceremonies as reason for his failure to honour the invitation yesterday and pleaded for understanding. Authoritative sources, however, told Daily Sun that the EFCC had responded to the Speaker's request and given him 11.am, next Tuesday to report for interrogation.

EFCC spokesman, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the development.