Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has denied rumors that he intends to ask the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigate former FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Musa Bello.
Wike claimed in the statement that the rumors are “completely baseless and devoid of any merit whatsoever.”
While he acknowledged having expressed worries and frustrations about irregularities found in the procurement and execution of some projects in the FCT, he insisted that he had never considered or given permission for anyone inside or outside the FCT Administration to request that the EFCC or ICPC look into Bello.
Wike said 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.”
The full statement reads:
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