Wike Explains Why He Invited EFCC, ICPC to Investigate Former FCT Minister

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has categorically refuted recent reports suggesting his intention to summon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for an investigation into the former FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello. This denial was conveyed through a statement issued by his Director of Press, Anthony Ogunleye.

In the statement, Wike vehemently dismissed the reports, deeming them as entirely baseless and devoid of any credible foundation. He clarified that while he had voiced concerns and frustrations regarding certain irregularities observed in the procurement and execution of specific projects within the FCT, he had never contemplated nor authorized any individual, either from within or outside the FCT Administration, to extend an invitation to the EFCC or ICPC for the purpose of probing Bello.

Wike further characterized the online story in question as a mere creation of its authors’ imagination, designed with the explicit intention of sowing discord and confusion among the general public. He called upon the public and conscientious Nigerians to exercise prudence and discernment when confronted with such groundless reports.

The complete statement can be read as follows:

FCTA PRESS STATEMENT

RE: FALSE ONLINE MEDIA REPORTS REGARDING ALLEGED INVITATION OF EFCC AND ICPC TO INVESTIGATE FORMER FCT MINISTER

1. The Office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister wishes to address recent online media reports that have surfaced, claiming that the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike plans to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to investigate the immediate past FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, in relation to certain irregularities in the award of contracts and other such matters.

2. We categorically and unequivocally state that these reports are entirely baseless and without any merit whatsoever. The FCT Minister, during his routine inspections of various projects within the FCT, has indeed expressed concerns and frustrations regarding irregularities observed in the procurement and execution of certain projects, amongst other observations which he very publicly expressed.

3. However, at no point did he contemplate or authorize any action by anyone within or outside the FCT Administration to invite the EFCC or ICPC to investigate the former FCT Minister in connection with these or any other matters.

4. The online story in question is nothing more than a product of the imagination of its authors and is

clearly designed to mischievously sow discord and confusion among the general public.

5. We view such misinformation with great concern and urge the public and well-meaning Nigerians to exercise caution and discernment when encountering such unfounded reports.

6. The FCT Minister remains focused on his responsibilities to ensure the efficient and transparent administration of the Federal Capital Territory. Any actions or decisions taken by the FCTA in this regard will be communicated through official channels and in accordance with due process.

7. We hereby advise the general public to disregard the story in its entirety, as it is nothing but a deliberate attempt to spread fake news and create unnecessary tensions.

8. Barrister Nyesom Wike remains committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability in the discharge of his duties and remains committed to building the FCT of our collective dreams.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

(OFFICE OF THE FCT MINISTER)

09/09/2023