The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged Nigerians not to immediately label the recent Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) probe of former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, as politically motivated.
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, Wike said investigations by the EFCC are routine and do not always involve politics.
“People should stop claiming that Tambuwal is being witch-hunted because he belongs to the opposition. Many Nigerians have been invited or investigated by the EFCC, and it does not always mean politics is involved,” he said.
Wike drew on his own experience to illustrate his point.
He recalled that in 2008, shortly after becoming Chief of Staff in Rivers State, he was arrested by the EFCC and charged in court.
However, the case was eventually withdrawn due to lack of evidence.
“I’m not speaking on behalf of EFCC, but Nigerians should stop this. I was arrested by EFCC in 2008 when I became Chief of Staff in 2007. I was taken to court, and we fought it until they had to withdraw the case,” Wike explained.
He added that although some people suggested the government at the time was behind his arrest, he never publicly accused anyone of targeting him, instead allowing the legal process to clear his name.
Commenting on Tambuwal’s situation, Wike said the former governor was simply invited to answer questions, as happens with many Nigerians, and it should not automatically be seen as a political witch-hunt.
“Even 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,” he said.
EFCC investigations are not always political – Wike reacts to Tambuwal’s probe
