By Daniel Tyokua
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has distanced himself from some online media reports that he had invited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offices Commission (ICPC) to investigate the former minister, Muhammad Bello over alleged fraudulent Contracts.
Wike in a statement by the Director of Press in the office of the minister, Anthony Ogunleye, said “We categorically and unequivocally state that these reports are entirely baseless and without any merit whatsoever.”
He explained that, “the FCT Minister, during his routine inspections of various projects within the territory, 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.”
However, he stressed that “at no point did Wike contemplate or authorise 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.”
According to Ogunleye, “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.”
He said the Federal Capital Territory Administration viewed “such misinformation with great concern and urged the public and well-meaning Nigerians to exercise caution and discernment when encountering such unfounded reports.
“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,” the minister added.
Meanwhile the FCTA has said that “as part of efforts to improve road infrastructure in the FCT, Wike will tomorrow, September 11, 2023, flag-off the re-surfacing and rehabilitation of existing roads and remedial works on bridges of major roads in the FCT.”
The re-surfacing project, which will cover 135 roads within Garki, Wuse, Gwarimpa and Maitama Districts, will give the resurfaced roads a new lease of life.
