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Wike has no influence on our activities
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has debunked claims by the governor of Bauchi State Bala Mohammed that Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory is behind the commission’s move to persecute him, his commissioner of finance and other aides of allegation of terrorism financing.
In a statement released on X on Friday, the EFCC described Mohammed’s outburst that the commission is being used by Wike and political opponents as a wild claim and far-fetched.
The statement described the commission as an independent and non-partisan agency created to fight economic and financial crimes.
It also said that the commission discharges its mandate without affection or ill will and that the attempt by the governor or any individual to portray it as a pliable agency that panders to the demands of certain political interests is therefore mischievous and condemnable.
“It is derogatory for Mohammed to ascribe the Commission’s activities in Bauchi State to the Influence of Mr Wike. It is important to state that no political office holder is in a position to influence the investigative activities of the Commission.
“If Bala Mohammed wants to be honest, he would have revealed to Nigerians that he was standing trial for money laundering at the time he won election as governor of Bauchi State. Only the constitutional Immunity from prosecution, which his current office attracts, has put that case in abeyance.
“Who also influenced the Commission to investigate him in 2016 and charge him to court?” the commission queried.
It further noted that there are evidential facts tabled before the agency against several officials of the Bauchi State government which members of the public can access and make deductions for themselves.
The commission also noted that the proof that is already before the court mentioned Governor Mohammed as the approving authority in the charge.
Further accusing the governor of crying wolf over the matter, the EFCC said it did not invent the law and where there are offences punishable by extant laws, the commission will be failing in its responsibility to do otherwise.
“Public accountability should be the priority of politicians of all persuasions. It is the height of hypocrisy for opposition politicians to be quick to scream persecution each time an opposition figure is called to account but are mute when a member of the ruling party faces the same ordeal.
“Recently the Commission arraigned a ranking member of the ruling party in court for alleged corruption, and not a whimper of persecution was heard from any of the political divide.
“Governor Mohammed should face the governance of Bauchi State and allow the EFCC focus more on cleaning the financial space of the nation, in line with its assigned mandate,” it stated.
The Edo State Government has ordered the temporary closure of three public Secondary Schools in Akoko- Edo Local Government Area of the State.
The public schools are Ososo Grammar School, Ososo Comprehensive High School and Makeke Secondary School.
The State Ministry of Education disclosed this in a circular dated June 9, 2026 and made available to newsmen in Benin City.
The statement said the closure of the schools followed the security alarm raised by the State Command of the Department of State Services, DSS, over the alleged mass abduction of school children in Edo North senatorial district.
The statement signed by Enodolomwanyi Otamere on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the ministry was addressed to the principals of the affected schools.
The ministry, however, directed that candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) should be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements.
It said the candidates should be supervised as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders.
According to the statement, the Ministry of Education has received intelligence reports and advisories from relevant security agencies regarding credible threats to the safety of students, staff, and school communities in some parts of Akoko Edo Local Government Area.
“Consequently, and in line with the Government’s commitment to the protection of lives and property, approval has been granted for the temporary closure of the affected schools with immediate effect
“All academic and non-academic activities in the affected schools are hereby suspended with immediate effect and shall remain so until further notice from the Ministry.
“However, candidates currently participating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) shall be allowed access to sit for their examinations under strict security arrangements and supervision as may be provided by the relevant security agencies and community stakeholders”, it added.
The ministry also directed the affected principals of the schools to ensure the safe and orderly release of students to their parents and guardians.
It further ordered the principals to secure all school facilities and property during the period of closure as well as maintain close communication with the Ministry, the Chief Inspector of Education, and security agencies.
It urged the principals to comply strictly with any further directives that may be issued by the State Government.
The State Government, however, advised parents, guardians, and members of the affected communities to remain calm and cooperate fully with security agencies.
It added that efforts are being intensified to guarantee the safety of all citizens and restore normal academic activities as soon as practicable.
The Presidency has lashed out at the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi.
In a post on his verified X handle on Wednesday, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Obi as a copy-and-paste politician who cannot compete with Tinubu.
Onanuga claimed that Obi has nothing to showcase as Anambra governor for eight years.
He said, in contrast with Tinubu as Lagos State governor, he left a rail and road masterplan as governor, which is still being executed to this day.
“Peter Obi has never shown original, authentic thinking. He is a copy-and-paste politician. Willie Obiano, his successor, said Obi failed spectacularly in providing security in the state.
“Nigeria deserves a leader who can see beyond the ken of the ordinary people, a leader who is a proven deep thinker and doer.
“Peter Obi is no match for President Bola Tinubu. They are not on the same level,” he said.
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