Wike Responds to Tambuwal’s Probe, Says EFCC Investigations Aren’t Always Politically Motivated

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged Nigerians to avoid prematurely labeling the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s investigation of former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, as politically motivated.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Wike said EFCC investigations are routine and not necessarily driven by politics.

“People should stop claiming that Tambuwal is being witch-hunted because he belongs to the opposition,” Wike said. “Many Nigerians have been invited or investigated by the EFCC, and that doesn’t automatically mean politics is involved.”

Drawing from personal experience, the former Rivers State governor recalled that he was arrested by the EFCC in 2008, a year after becoming Chief of Staff in Rivers State. He was charged to court, but the case was later dropped due to lack of evidence.

“I’m not speaking for the EFCC, but I was arrested in 2008. We went to court, and the case was withdrawn because they had no case. At the time, people said the government was behind it, but I never made public accusations—I let the legal process take its course,” Wike explained.

Addressing Tambuwal’s situation directly, Wike said the former governor was merely invited for questioning, a common occurrence that should not be politicized.

“Even in Tambuwal’s case, he was only invited by the EFCC like many others have been. That alone doesn’t make it political,” he added.