Wike Urges Nigerians to Stop Politicizing EFCC’s Probe of Tambuwal

|By Adejumo Adekunle

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned Nigerians against branding the ongoing probe of former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as politically motivated.

Wike, speaking in an interview with Channels Television, insisted that EFCC investigations are routine and should not automatically be linked to 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,” Wike said.

Drawing from personal experience, the minister recalled his arrest by the EFCC in 2008, shortly after assuming office as Chief of Staff in Rivers State. He explained that the case against him was later withdrawn for lack of evidence.

“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. Although some people said government was behind it, I never accused anyone; I simply allowed the legal process to clear my name,” he stated.

On Tambuwal’s current situation, Wike stressed that being invited by the EFCC is not unusual and should not be blown out of proportion.

“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,” Wike added.