The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said he will not appear as a witness in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), simply because his name appeared in the media.
Wike, however, stated that he would honour any formal summons from the court if required to testify or provide evidence.
Speaking during a media parley in Abuja on Friday, the minister clarified that he had not received any official notice or subpoena compelling his appearance in court.
“You don’t become a witness by reading the newspaper. Nobody has served me any process; nobody has subpoenaed me,” Wike said. “So, because I saw Wike listed, I will not begin to run helter-skelter. No, you don’t do that. If I am served, if I am subpoenaed to come and give a witness or give evidence, I must obey the court; I must appear.”
When asked if he knew why Nnamdi Kanu listed him among his witnesses, Wike said he had no idea. “If you see Nnamdi Kanu, you ask him, ‘Why did you list me? I did not go and say I want to be a witness.’ So, if you see him, ask him, ‘Why did you list Wike as one of your witnesses?’”
Kanu, who is facing terrorism charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja, had listed Wike and several prominent Nigerians as “compellable witnesses” in his ongoing trial.
Others named include former Minister of Defence Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, Minister of Works Dave Umahi, and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Wike reiterated that he would only appear before the court if he received a formal summons, stressing his respect for judicial authority.