Only in Nigeria can you call president of criminals and walk freely – wike

The Minister of Federal Capital Region (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the Nigerian people fortunate to have a Tinubu Ball President at the top of the leadership, praising the President’s tolerance of criticism – even when crossing the boundary.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during the Road N1 arterial project flag in Wuye District, Wike aimed at presidential critics, chose activists and former presidential candidates Omoyle Sowore, who recently described Tinubu as “criminals” in a post on X (previously Twitter).

“This is a country where someone on social media will say that the president is a criminal; nothing will happen,” Wike said. “You say all kinds of things you want to say, nothing will happen.”

Referring to the position of Sowore, who quoted President Tinubu’s video during his visit to Brazil where he claimed to have eliminated corruption from Nigeria, Wike was in contrast to democratic norms in other countries.

“No matter how you see people criticizing Trump, have you ever seen American citizens on social media, or in public, say ‘our president is a criminal?’ Have you ever heard of it? “

“But here, anyone can wake up in the morning and abuse the president, and we are happy. You are lucky to have a president who believes in the rule of law. You are lucky. Keep lucky. There are people you will meet that you will not be lucky anymore,” he warned.

In the same address, Wike also responded to rumors circulating online about his health. Rejecting the claim that he suffered a heart attack and flown abroad for treatment, Wike offers a pointed response: “I hear they have (a) heart attack. God will continue to help them (a) heart attack.

“It is my prayer so that I will sign their condolences. My prayer that I will immediately write a letter that we regret we love him, but take heart because God gave and God who had taken.”

Also read: Top 10 Stories from All Nigerian Newspapers, Friday, September 19

His aide, Lere Olayinka, also mocked the rumors, posted Wike videos on the site and wrote:

“FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, marked the construction of the N1 arterial road from the Wuye District to Ring Road II, Abuja, today.

“We don’t see Omoyle Sowore online medical doctors from Sahara Desert Medical Center.”

Switching to the riots of the health sector in FCT, Wike discusses the ongoing strikes by residents. He revealed that administration had allocated ₦ 25 billion for health capital projects in the 2025 budget, which was approved by the National Assembly in July.

Responding to the report that doctors protested the allowance and delay in recruitment, Wike stated that all decisions must follow the right procedures.

“SSS called me that people say they will show that we pay attention to the road and not for health. I tell them the demonstration is permitted everywhere. Nobody will blackmail me or stop me from doing what is right, at the right time.

“Those who say that they are indebted allowances, alright. We just appointed a head of service after being passed. I asked them to examine how many were involved. At the doctor’s work, the Civil Service Commission said they had neglect. Good, please and hire them. I am not a doctor.”

He urged civil servants to avoid political intervention in their role, stating:

“If you want to join a political party, continue and join. But don’t use civil service to play politics.”

Wike assured that once all verification from the Ministry of Finance was completed, the necessary payments would be made – but reiterated that everything must follow the legal process.