Not Every EFCC Probe Is Politics – Wike Breaks Silence On Tambuwal’s ₦189bn Scandal

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

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, Wike explained that EFCC investigations are a normal part of the agency’s work and should not always be linked to politics.

“People should stop insisting that Tambuwal is being witch-hunted simply because he belongs to the opposition. Many Nigerians have been invited or investigated by the EFCC, and it doesn’t always have anything to do with politics,” he stated.

To emphasize his point, Wike shared his personal experience, recalling how in 2008, shortly after becoming Chief of Staff in Rivers State, he was arrested by the EFCC and taken to court. The case was eventually struck out due to insufficient evidence.

“I’m not speaking for the EFCC, but Nigerians should stop this narrative. I was arrested by EFCC in 2008 after becoming Chief of Staff in 2007. I was taken to court, and we fought until the case was withdrawn,” Wike recounted.

He added that while some people at the time suggested the government was behind his ordeal, he never publicly accused anyone, instead relying on the legal process to clear his name.

On Tambuwal’s matter, Wike stressed that the former governor was only invited for questioning, just like many others before him, and that should not automatically be seen as a political witch-hunt.

“Even in Tambuwal’s case, he was invited by the EFCC, as has happened with many Nigerians in the past. That does not make it political,” he maintained.