Wike denies inviting EFCC, ICPC to probe predecessor, Bello

Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, has refuted a recent online media report that claimed he had asked the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate Muhammad Bello, the previous minister of the FCT, regarding some irregularities in contract awarding.

According to a now-viral allegation, Wike wrote to the anti-graft organizations requesting that they look into the former minister’s alleged involvement in shady dealings with the contracts for several active projects in the FCT.

The minister referred to the claim as unfounded and meritless in a statement released on Saturday by the Director of Press in the FCT Ministry in the Office of the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye.

We definitely and unambiguously declare that these reports are completely unfounded and have no merit at all, according to the statement.

Although the Wike had voiced worry over inconsistencies seen in the procurement and execution of some projects during routine inspections of different projects within the FCT, it was noted that he had never authorized an invitation by the anti-graft agency to examine Bello.

“The FCT Minister has in fact expressed concerns and frustrations regarding irregularities observed in the procurement and execution of some projects during his routine inspections of various projects within the FCT, among other observations which he very publicly expressed.”

But he never intended or gave the go-ahead for anyone inside or outside the FCT Administration to ask the EFCC or ICPC to look into the former FCT Minister in relation to these or any other issues, the statement said.
The statement said, “The internet tale in question is plainly intended to mischievously stir dissension and confusion among the general people and is nothing more than a product of its creators’ imagination.

We urge the public and well-intentioned Nigerians to exercise caution and judgment when encountering such baseless reports because we view such misinformation with considerable worry.

The Federal Capital Territory Minister is still committed to upholding effective and open government in the territory. The FCTA will follow proper procedure and use official means to convey any actions or decisions it makes in this regard.

“We thus encourage the general public to dismiss the entire article as it is nothing more than a calculated effort to propagate false information and incite unwarranted dissent.

“Barrister Nyesom Wike is still dedicated to upholding the highest standards of accountability and integrity in the performance of his duties and is still dedicated to creating the FCT of our shared dreams.”