FCT Minister Nyesom Wike says EFCC’s probe of ex-governor Aminu Tambuwal should not be politicized.
He stressed investigations are routine anti-corruption measures and not always driven by political motives.
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has urged Nigerians not to prematurely label the ongoing investigation of former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as politically motivated.
In an interview with Channels Television, Wike emphasized that EFCC investigations are a standard part of anti-corruption measures, and not every case should be connected to politics. “People should refrain from claiming that Tambuwal is being witch-hunted merely because he belongs to the opposition. Many Nigerians have been invited or investigated by the EFCC, and it does not always indicate a political motive,” Wike stated.
Wike shared from his own experience, recalling that shortly after he became Chief of Staff in Rivers State in 2008, he was arrested by the EFCC and charged in court. The case was later withdrawn due to a lack of evidence. “I’m not speaking on behalf of the EFCC, but I urge Nigerians to stop spreading this narrative. I was arrested by the EFCC in 2008, after becoming Chief of Staff in 2007. I was taken to court, and we ultimately fought the case until they had to withdraw it,” he explained.
He noted that while some suggested his arrest had political motives, he chose not to publicly accuse anyone; instead, he relied on the legal system to prove his innocence.
Regarding Tambuwal’s situation, Wike affirmed that the former governor was invited to answer questions, similar to many public officials and citizens who have faced similar scrutiny. He insisted that such invitations should not be automatically interpreted as a political attack. “In Tambuwal’s case, he was invited by the EFCC just like many others have been in the past. This does not mean it is political,” Wike concluded.
