Just In: FCT Minister Wike Under Fresh Probe as Details Emerge

• FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, faced criticism after allegedly attending a Dubai summit with his two sons
• Nigerians accused Wike of misusing public funds for a 'family vacation' under the guise of official duties
• Calls intensified for anti-corruption agencies and the National Assembly to probe Wike's travel

The minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has come under intense scrutiny after attending the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with his two sons.

The development sparked outrage among Nigerians, who accused the minister of using public resources for a 'family vacation' under the pretext of an official assignment.

Images from the summit showed Wike’s sons wearing delegate tags and seated beside him during several sessions of the international forum, which brought together mayors and city leaders from around the world to discuss urban development and sustainability.

Backlash as Wike attends summit with sons

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The controversy deepened when Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, posted a picture of the minister and his sons on X with the caption:

“When e reach your turn, carry your enemies travel.”

The post quickly went viral, amassing over 454,000 views, 130 reposts, 286 quotes, and nearly 1,000 likes by Wednesday afternoon.

Many Nigerians saw the statement as mocking and insensitive, further fuelling anger over perceived misuse of public funds, Vanguard reported.

Nigerians demand accountability from FCT minister

Several social media users questioned why the minister’s children were included in an official delegation meant for qualified public servants.

A user, @magaflexing, wrote:

“This is exactly the mindset that has kept Africa backward. Governance should not be about friends or enemies but about service to the people.”

Another, @iOccupyNigeria, commented:

“Wike no be governor, no be mayor. He be Minister of FCT, yet he carry him children go Dubai as delegates. Na public money dem use fly go. Who born that kind impunity?”

Similarly, @BigOnukwugha argued:

“When a minister replaces career civil servants with family members on international trips, it weakens institutional growth and continuity.”

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Some users linked the controversy to a broader culture of nepotism among Nigeria’s political elite.

“You are watching your resources being spent on father and sons who will later rule over you,” posted @Real_me_Abdul.

Others compared Wike’s action to 'dynastic politics' in Nigeria, where political leaders allegedly prepare their children for future public roles.

Calls for investigation into Wike grow louder

Adding to the criticism, Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti state governor Ayodele Fayose, questioned Wike’s conduct in a Facebook post.

“What is Wike’s son doing in a meeting of the directors of the Ministry of Aviation and the FCT?” he asked.

Neither Wike nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration has issued an official response to the allegations.

Meanwhile, calls are mounting for anti-corruption agencies and the National Assembly to investigate the trip and determine whether the inclusion of Wike’s sons violated public service regulations.

Analyst speaks on Wike's controversy

Public affairs expert, Hamma Hayatu, while speaking with Legit.ng on Thursday, October 30, condemned the development, describing it as “a troubling display of misplaced priorities and public office abuse.”

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According to Hayatu, the outrage trailing the trip was justified, given Nigeria's current economic struggles and the need for transparency in governance.

“At a time that Nigerians are struggling with rising inflation, unemployment, and tightening budgets, the last thing they would need is to see that the president is flying relatives out of the country on so-called official duties,” he said.

“The privilege of public office must not be confused with any kind of inheritance program.”

Also speaking, Tunde Adebayo, a lecturer, Anchor University, added that even if the trip was funded personally, the optics remained problematic.

“Leadership has to be concerned not only with what is legal but with what is right and proper.”

“Even if there were no funds involved, the presence of these delegates in official positions reduces professionalism and raises concerns about legitimacy,” said Adebayo.

Adebayo called on authorities to provide clarity on the funding and approval process for the trip.

Wike speaks on Nnamdi Kanu's request

Legit.ng earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu's minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike expressed his readiness to stand as a witness in Nnamdi Kanu's terrorism trial.

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However, the minister, in an interview on Friday, October 24, gave a condition before he could appear as a witness in the ongoing trial.

Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng