FCT Minister Nyesom Wike blasts Omoyele Sowore for calling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal.” Wike says Nigerians are “lucky” to have a president who respects the rule of law
Wike Slams Sowore Over Tinubu ‘Criminal’ Remark, Warns Nigerians Against Blackmail Politics
Abuja, Nigeria — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has condemned activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, for calling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal” on social media.
Speaking on Thursday during the official flag-off of the construction of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II, Wike described Sowore’s comments as “unfortunate” and a dangerous trend in Nigerian politics.
“This is a country where somebody on social media will say Mr. President is a criminal; nothing will happen. You say all kinds of things you want to say, but nothing will happen,” Wike said.
Comparing the situation with global practices, he added:
“No matter how you see people criticize Trump, have you ever seen any American citizen on social media, or in public, say our President is a criminal? Have you heard that? But here, anybody can wake up in the morning and abuse the President, and we are happy. You are lucky you have a President who believes in the rule of law. You are lucky. Continue to be lucky. There are those you will meet that you won’t be lucky again.”
His comments come just days after the Federal Government filed a five-count charge against Sowore over the same remarks.
Wike also addressed the ongoing strike by resident doctors in the FCT, saying their allowances would be paid after due process.
“I have never seen a country where we thrive on blackmail,” Wike said. “This road is not my road, it’s not Wike’s road, it’s not Tinubu’s road. It is a road that will open up economic activities and improve the welfare of the people here. Nobody will blackmail me; nobody will stop me from doing what I think is right.”
The minister disclosed that the 2025 capital budget for health alone carries an allocation of ₦25 billion, stressing that his administration will prioritize both infrastructure and healthcare.
On the employment of doctors, he noted:
“They said they’ve gotten a waiver, fine. What’s my own? Go and employ them. I am not a doctor; I’ve never thought of being a doctor. Go ahead and employ them.”
Wike’s public outing also silenced viral rumours about his health. His media aide, Lere Olayinka, taunted critics online, saying:
“We have not seen Online Medical Doctor Omoyele Sowore of Sahara Desert Medical Centre.”
Olayinka also shared a video of the minister’s arrival at the commissioning, while confirming that the FCT administration will continue with its 16-day schedule of project flag-offs. Read More
