Wike's Spokesperson Shares Update Amid Reports FCT Minister Travelled to UK For Medical Attention
- A report by Sahara Reporters widely shared by social media users claimed that FCT minister Nyesom Wike was diagnosed with congestive heart failure
- However, checks by Legit.ng showed that no other reputable media platform have the report, while Wike's spokesman, Lere Olayinka, is yet to react to the claim
- On Sunday morning, September 14, Olayinka shared a notable update with the public via his verified social media page
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
FCT, Abuja - Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on public communication and social media to Nyesom Wike, on Sunday, September 14, disclosed that his principal will be on a popular political show on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
Legit.ng reports that a media outlet recently claimed that Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), travelled to the United Kingdom (UK) for medical attention.
Source: Facebook
Scrutiny on Wike's health
The online news platform said sources privy to the minister’s health status informed it that Wike has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and is currently under medical management in the UK. Apart from that, no such articles from any credible news outlet.
Wike's absence from public appearances sparked bizarre rumours online, with several netizens commenting that he might be out of Nigeria for medical reasons.
Amid the anxiety over Wike's whereabouts, Olayinka posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) page:
"FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, will be on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, September 18, 2025, from 7PM to 8:30PM."
Wike, Fubara shun Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas'thanksgiving Service
Meanwhile, key actors in the Rivers political crisis, including Wike and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, were absent on Sunday, September 14, at the farewell thanksgiving service of the state’s sole administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd).
Source: Facebook
While many traditional rulers were also absent, the event drew attendance from permanent secretaries, local government chairmen, heads of boards, agencies, parastatals, and security commanders across the state.
Recall that Ibas assumed office as the sole administrator of the state in March 2025 after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers and suspended the governor.
Reflecting on his tenure, Ibas said:
“By God’s grace and with the support of Mr. President and all of you, we have worked through those difficult days together. Today, we thank God for peace, stability, and the successful conduct of local government elections across the state.
“Let us forgive, let us reconcile, and let us heal. For where there is peace, there is progress, and where there is love, there is prosperity.”
Wike slams fines on Ganduje, others
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Wike slammed N5 million fines on a former All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and others for allegedly converting their properties to other uses without approval.
Wike said that illegal land conversion violates the conditions under which the right of occupancy of such properties was granted.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
