The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has cautioned Nigerians against hastily branding the recent Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) probe of former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, as politically motivated.
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, Wike explained that EFCC investigations are routine processes and should not always be interpreted through a political lens.
“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 stated.
Drawing from his personal experience, the FCT minister recalled how he was once in a similar situation.
“In 2008, when I became Chief of Staff in Rivers State, I was arrested by the EFCC and charged to court. We fought it until they had to withdraw the case for lack of evidence. I’m not speaking on behalf of EFCC, but Nigerians should stop this,” he said.
Wike added that while many speculated at the time that his ordeal was politically instigated, he never publicly accused anyone. Instead, he allowed the judicial process to run its course until he was cleared.
On Tambuwal’s case, Wike stressed that the former governor was only invited to answer questions, just like many others before him, and it should not automatically be interpreted 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,” Wike concluded.
