By Prince Kelvin Ugwumba

Former Governor of Anambra State, former Senator for Anambra Central, and immediate past Minister of Labour and Productivity, His Excellency Senator Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige (OON), is a man of many parts and widely regarded as a political survivor. Having built a distinguished career in the public service before venturing into politics, he has consistently demonstrated a clear understanding of what is required to serve in public office without blemish. This much he proved during his tenures as Governor, Senator, and Minister.

It is on record that throughout the periods he occupied these offices, and even after leaving them, Ngige has never been a regular guest of any of the country’s anti-corruption agencies. Although he is not immune to investigation or prosecution, he has never been found culpable or convicted of any financial misconduct.

Over the years, some political detractors have levelled unfounded allegations against him out of malice, envy, or political rivalry, yet he has always cleared his name through due process and adherence to the rule of law.

Ahead of the 2023 elections, Ngige was reportedly pressured to contest the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he helped to establish alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others. However, demonstrating political foresight, he declined and instead adopted a low-profile and neutral stance during the election.

Since leaving office in 2023, he has maintained that low profile and enjoyed his privacy, a choice that, according to some, has not gone down well with certain powerful actors at the centre, who seem uncomfortable with his silence.

There have been occasional reports of EFCC invitations to Ngige in the past, all of which he is said to have honoured without incident. Recently, one of his convoy vehicles was attacked by gunmen in Anambra State, leaving some police escorts injured. Many individuals visited him at his hometown in Alor to sympathize, including former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi. Their meeting, which was followed by a brief press interaction, was non-political and remains publicly documented.

Not long after this incident, Ngige was dramatically arrested in Abuja by security personnel initially mistaken by onlookers for kidnappers, but later confirmed to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This raises critical questions: Why the sudden and controversial arrest of a man who has previously honoured EFCC invitations without coercion?

What prompted such an approach at this particular time?

Is this a case of “the owl crying in the night and the child dying in the morning”?

Was Ngige invited and did he fail to honour the invitation, or was the EFCC acting out a predetermined script? Given his pedigree, reputation, and history of cooperation, he deserves to be treated with professional courtesy. A simple formal invitation would have sufficed; a nighttime arrest was unnecessary and disrespectful.

There is nothing wrong in Ngige maintaining a low profile or choosing to remain apolitical since leaving office. There is also nothing wrong in asking him to account for his stewardship—something his record suggests he would willingly do, having reportedly complied with all exit processes before leaving office to protect his reputation.

Now that the EFCC has taken him into custody, Nigerians are keenly watching. The manner in which the anti-graft agency handles this case will reveal the true motives behind the abrupt arrest and subsequent detention.

Prince Ugwumba, writes from Okota Isolo, Lagos State