FCT Minister Denies Petitioning Anti-graft Agencies To Investigate Former Minister

The Minister of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike has denied an online publication claiming that he invited 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.

In a statement signed by the Director of press office of the Ministry, Mr. Anthony Ogunleye and made available to Journalists in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, categorically and unequivocally stated that these reports are entirely baseless and without any merit whatsoever.

The statement explained that the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, during his routine inspections of various projects within the FCT, expressed concerns and frustrations regarding irregularities observed in the procurement and execution of certain projects, amongst other observations which he very publicly expressed.

The statement stressed that “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.

“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.

“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”.

While stressing that Wike remains focused on his responsibilities to ensure the efficient and transparent administration of the Federal Capital Territory, the statement added that any actions or decisions taken by the FCTA in this regard will be communicated through official channels and in accordance with due process.

It then advised 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.

The statement assured the residents and Nigerians at large that 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.

Emmanuel Ukoh