APC demands answers from Wike over missing millions

17:15 05/06/2015
Rivers - The differences between the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State and Governor, Nyesom Wike, has taken a new twist after the party demanded a probe into his tenure as Minister of State in the Federal Ministry of Education.

APC asserted that such an exercise would  strengthen the anti-corruption fight in the country much as it will expose the alleged rot perpetuated under the guise of the Almajiri school scheme and the Universal Basic Education (UBEC).

“That Wike has left office as Minister of State (Education), does not cancel the fact and effect of the alleged fraud,” said Chris Finebone, APC Rivers spokesperson.

He cited the case of Kashim Buruji as a reference of an accused facing justice years after.
Also read: APC accuses Wike of planning to dump PDP
“If Mr. Kashim Buruji today faces extradition to the United States to face drug-related charges years after the alleged crime was committed, Nigeria’s Federal Government can as well call Wike to account for his actions or inactions when he served as Minister for State(Education)|.”

Finebone claimed under Wike, as a junior minister in the Ministry of Education, “corruption was elevated to a culture.” It is alleged about N87billion was yet to be accounted for under Wike.

“It took Ibrahim Shekarau as Minister of Education to unearth the shady deals Wike knew but invariably participated in, to be exposed. But since Wike was then under the cover of a President who condoned corruption, the deals never received serious attention. Wike needs to be called to account for the N87billion and where necessary face justice,”
Finebone stated.

APC has also accused Wike of further heating the fragile political atmosphere in Rivers State through alleged utterances and actions since last Friday when he was inaugurated.

APC is challenging Wike’s victory over its candidate, Dakuku Peterside, in the governorship poll.

The party thus does not recognize him as a duly-elected governor.

“Wike is indebted to Nigeria’s government, having dipped his hands into its treasury questionably, corruptly enriching himself. His actions have further impoverished Nigerians and his questionable lifestyle and source of income should be investigated. The best time to do so is now,” Finebone said.

- CAJ News