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| President Bola Tinubu |
By Achiever Peterson
Timi Frank, a political activist and former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately suspend FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and launch a full investigation into allegations surrounding Wike’s US property scandal.
Frank criticized Tinubu’s silence on the matter and called for the president to show the same urgency and commitment to accountability he demonstrated when he swiftly suspended former minister Betta Edu over lesser corruption allegations.
Wike had allegedly acquired property in Florida, and to hide the assets, he allegedly registered them under his wife’s name, Justice Eberechi Wike, and children, Joaquin, Jazmyne, and Jordan.
Frank, a United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, in a statement, said Tinubu's silence in the face of overwhelming evidence of the houses in public domain, is troubling.
“With detailed reports from credible sources such as People's Gazette and Sahara Reporters, and with glaring evidence ignored by anti-corruption agencies like EFCC and ICPC, it sends a dangerous message that some officials are untouchable,” he lamented.
He reminded the President to be aware that impunity and arrogance of government officials like Wike weakens citizens trust in governance and contribute to revolts like the Nepal uprising.
Frank commended journalist Omoyele Sowore of Saharareporters and the Publishers of People’s Gazette for their courage in exposing corruption in the country, irrespective of serving government officials involved.
Frank warned Tinubu not to make any official in his cabinet feel as if they are untouchable or they are God.
He stated that the Presidency represents the integrity of Nigeria and must uphold the principle that no one is above the law, regardless of political alliances.
Frank said, “The reasons behind this continued inaction in the case of Wike appear tied to the political calculations surrounding the 2027 presidential elections.
“However, allowing political ambition to shield corruption will irreparably harm Nigeria’s reputation internationally.
“The world is watching, and this selective justice undermines investor confidence and portrays Nigeria as a nation unable or unwilling to fight corruption - even within its highest offices.
“Furthermore, even when crises erupted in Rivers State, President Tinubu suspended only Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the House of Assembly members while leaving the Minister of FCT, Wike, untouched.
“This inconsistency fuels suspicions of favoritism and political shielding. Nigerians and the international community deserve to know why the President appears reluctant to confront alleged corruption linked to a close political ally.
“Selective enforcement of the law erodes national pride and makes Nigeria a laughing stock among peer nations, many of whom prosecute corruption allegations without hesitation.
“We urge President Tinubu to immediately suspend and commission an independent investigation into Minister Wike, just as was done with Betta Edu.
“The President should protect the dignity of Nigeria and the trust of its citizens by rejecting selective justice and political expediency. The integrity of Nigeria’s governance and its image on the global stage depend on it.”
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