Wike refutes allegations of reporting Bello to anti-corruption agencies
The Office of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister has issued a statement refuting recent reports circulating on social media.
These reports alleged that FCT Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike intended to write to 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, regarding irregularities in contract awards within the FCT.
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In a statement provided to newsmen in Abuja by the Director of Press at the Office of the FCT Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, these reports were described as baseless and lacking any merit.
The statement emphasized, “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.”
It is worth noting that Wike had expressed disappointment on a previous Thursday over the delay in completing several FCT projects due to variations in contracts awarded many years ago.
Ogunleye added, “However, at no point did he (Wike) 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.”
He further characterized the online story as a product of its authors’ imagination, seemingly designed to maliciously sow discord and confusion among the general public.
He urged the general public to disregard the story entirely, recognizing it as a deliberate attempt to spread fake news and create unnecessary tensions.
Ogunleye stated, “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.”
He reassured that Wike remains focused on his responsibilities to ensure the efficient and transparent administration of the FCT and to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability in the discharge of his duties.
Ogunleye assured that any action taken by the FCTA in this regard would be communicated via official channels and in accordance with due process.
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