Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has hit back at activist and African Action Congress (AAC) leader, Omoyele Sowore, over his recent remarks describing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a “criminal.”
Wike, speaking on Thursday at the flag-off of the Arterial Road N1 project from Wuye District to Ring Road 11 in Abuja, described Sowore’s comment as reckless.
He insisted that Nigerians should count themselves fortunate to have a president who respects the rule of law, even in the face of harsh criticism.
The minister reminded Nigerians that few democracies tolerate such comments against a sitting president.
He argued that while people regularly criticise global leaders like Donald Trump, it is rare to hear any citizen openly call their president a “criminal” without consequences.
“This is a country where somebody on social media will say Mr President is a criminal, and nothing will happen.
You are lucky you have a president who believes in the rule of law. Continue to be lucky. There are those you will meet that you won’t be lucky again,” Wike declared.
His remarks came two days after the Federal Government filed a five-count charge against Sowore over his social media post against President Tinubu.
Wike denies heart failure rumours
The FCT minister also used the platform to address reports that he had travelled abroad for treatment of congestive heart failure. He dismissed the claims as politically motivated falsehoods.
According to him, his recent trip to London was purely for rest, as he had not taken a holiday since his appointment.
Wike noted that political opponents were quick to exploit his absence with fabricated stories about his health.
“Each time I travel, I carry files and Certificates of Occupancy to make sure work is not delayed. But this time, I told myself, let me travel without any file and take a proper rest.
Before I knew it, they said I had a heart attack. God will help them to have a heart attack instead,” he said, mocking his detractors.
He stressed that public office holders must balance work with health, pointing out that politics in Nigeria is often riddled with rumours and false narratives.
Analysts believe Wike’s sharp words reflect his ongoing battles with critics who question his closeness to President Tinubu.
His decision to dismiss the health rumours with humour also highlights his political style direct, confrontational, and dismissive of speculation.
As the minister doubles down on defending the president, Sowore’s case is set to draw further attention to free speech debates in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Wike maintains that President Tinubu’s tolerance for criticism is proof of his democratic values.