Wike Denies Inviting EFCC Against His Predecessor,  Acknowledges Irregularities In Contracts

By Ayodele Oni

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesome Wike, has explained that it was true there were irregularities in some contracts awarded by his predecessor, at the Federal Capital, but that the anti-graft agencies have not been invited to probe the past administration at the FCT.

Wike, immediate past Governor of Rivers state, had expressed concern about some contracts and the huge debt burden he inherited at the FCT.

On Friday, the Social Media was awash with reports that Wike had written to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to report his predecessor over the unprecedented irregularities he noticed in the award of contracts.

But a statement on Saturday by the Director of Press, FCT, Anthony Ogunleye, stated that at no time has Wike invited the anti graft body to probe immediate past  Minister of the FCT.

The statement added that  the immediate past FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has not been invited in relation to certain irregularities in the award of contracts and other such matters.

“The FCT Minister, during his routine inspections of various projects within the FCT, 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, 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.

“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.

“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.”