Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has forcefully responded to social media reports claiming he collapsed last week, dismissing them as politically motivated fabrications intended to distract the public from more serious matters.
During an inspection tour of four ongoing projects in the FCT, including the International Conference Centre, the former Rivers State governor addressed the rumors with characteristic defiance, saying he remains in excellent health despite the wishes of his detractors.
“With God’s help, I will write their condolence letters,” Wike declared, suggesting he would outlive those spreading falsehoods about his wellbeing. I thank Nigerians for being worried, which is natural, but people should not wish their fellow human beings such things.
The minister traced the origin of the rumors to what he described as a deliberate attempt to shift public attention away from security concerns in Rivers State. According to Wike, the former Head of Service in Rivers had recently exposed plans to bomb the House of Assembly complex and attack other national assets. He believes the death rumors were circulated precisely to divert attention from these serious allegations.
“In order to divert attention from people focusing on that, they had to bring one rumor that I have been flown overseas,” Wike explained during his project inspection. “There was no time I collapsed, there was no time anybody took me overseas.”
Wike pointed to his recent public appearances as evidence of his good health, noting his attendance at President Tinubu’s iftar celebration on the president’s birthday and his leadership of Abuja residents during Sallah homage the following day.
The minister’s robust response underscores the increasingly contentious political climate, particularly regarding affairs in Rivers State, where Wike continues to wield significant influence despite having left the governorship. The rumor campaign appears to be part of ongoing political tensions that have characterized governance in the oil-rich state since Wike’s departure.
“This is politics. We have thick skin. Those things don’t bother us,” Wike stated, emphasizing that such distractions would not deter him from his responsibilities in the Federal Capital Territory. “We are not distracted. We are focused on our jobs.”
Political analysts note that Wike has maintained an aggressive stance against perceived opponents since assuming his ministerial position. His combative style, cultivated during his tenure as Rivers governor, has become his trademark response to political challenges. This latest incident reflects the continuation of that approach at the federal level.
The minister’s inspection tour of FCT projects demonstrates his determination to showcase tangible achievements amidst political noise. Under his leadership, several infrastructure developments are progressing across the territory, with Wike regularly conducting inspections to ensure contractors meet deadlines and quality standards.
“We know that we will die one day. Nobody will remain in this world forever, but it is only God that says the day you will die, not any human being,” Wike philosophized, before adding his characteristic barb: “I am even healthier than most of them who carried that rumor.”
The rumor about Wike’s health emerged amid heightened political tensions in Rivers State, where conflicts between different political factions have intensified following changes in leadership alliances. The minister has remained deeply involved in Rivers politics despite his federal appointment, often commenting on developments in his home state.
Security concerns in Rivers have escalated in recent months, with reports of planned attacks on government buildings and infrastructure. Wike’s reference to the former Head of Service’s warnings suggests a complex political and security situation that extends beyond personal rivalries to threats against public institutions.
Political observers have noted that death rumors about prominent politicians are unfortunately becoming more common in Nigeria’s political landscape, often deployed as tools to unsettle opponents or test public reactions. Wike’s decision to address the rumors directly rather than ignore them reflects his confrontational political style.
As the minister continues his work in the FCT, his response to the death rumors sends a clear message to his political opponents: he remains unbowed and ready to continue political confrontation when necessary. His focus on infrastructure development in the FCT provides him with a platform to demonstrate competence while maintaining his political relevance nationally.
The minister concluded his remarks with a pointed message to those he believes are behind the rumors: “So, there is nothing like that,” effectively dismissing the claims while asserting his continued vitality in Nigeria’s political arena.
As Wike pushes forward with his ministerial duties, the episode highlights how personal attacks and misinformation continue to feature prominently in Nigeria’s political discourse, often overshadowing substantive policy debates and governance achievements.
