Speaking during an interview on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Wike stressed that EFCC investigations are routine and should not always be linked to politics.
“People should stop claiming that Tambuwal is being witch-hunted because he belongs to the opposition. Many Nigerians have been invited or investigated by the EFCC, and it does not always mean politics is involved,” Wike said.
The minister recounted his own experience, recalling that in 2008, shortly after his appointment as Chief of Staff in Rivers State in 2007, he was arrested and charged by the EFCC. According to him, the case was later withdrawn due to insufficient evidence.
“I was arrested by EFCC in 2008 when I became Chief of Staff in 2007. I was taken to court, and we fought it until they had to withdraw the case,” Wike explained, noting that although some people at the time suggested his arrest was politically driven, he never accused anyone publicly.
Commenting on Tambuwal’s case, Wike said the former governor was only invited to answer questions, which is a normal process that should not be exaggerated.
“Even in Tambuwal’s case, he was invited by the EFCC, just like many others have been in the past. This does not mean it is political,” he added.
Wike’s remarks come amid growing public debate on the EFCC’s actions and their perceived political undertones.
