Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has dismissed rumours about his health, saying he remains focused on his duties despite criticisms and speculations.
Speaking on Thursday at the flag-off of the construction of an arterial road in the Wuye district of Abuja, Wike said those who wished him dead would be disappointed.
“It is my prayer that I will sign their condolences. Very soon, I will write a letter that we are sorry we loved him, but take heart because it’s God that gives and has taken,” he said.
The minister had been the subject of speculation while abroad, with reports suggesting he was critically ill and receiving treatment.
Wike also reacted to recent comments made by Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters, who had described President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” during his trip to Brazil.
Following Sowore’s remarks, the Department of State Services (DSS) asked social media platform X to deactivate his accounts, alleging his posts could incite violence and threaten national security.
Wike warned that Sowore was “fortunate” to have a president who respects the rule of law, saying the activist might not enjoy such tolerance under another administration.
“This is a country where somebody on social media will say Mr President is a criminal; nothing will happen. No matter how you see people criticise Trump, have you ever seen any American citizen on social media or in public say our President is a criminal? But here, anybody can wake up in the morning and abuse the President, and we are happy,” Wike said.
“You are lucky you have a president who believes in the rule of law. You are lucky. Continue to be lucky,” he added.
The minister cautioned that under some leaders, such expressions would not be tolerated.
