The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has refuted speculations about his alleged health collapse and emergency medical evacuation abroad, describing them as baseless and politically motivated distractions.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects scheduled for commissioning in May to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary, Wike categorically dismissed the claims.
He attributed the rumours to political opponents seeking to shift public attention from recent revelations concerning alleged plots to attack national assets, including the Rivers State House of Assembly complex. The claims, he noted, were made by a former Head of Service of Rivers State.
“What happened was that the former Head of Service of Rivers State came out to expose a plan to bomb the House of Assembly complex and attack national assets. To divert attention from that, they fabricated rumours that I had been flown overseas. There was never a time I collapsed, nor was I taken abroad,” Wike stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to governance in the FCT and insisted he would not be distracted by what he termed baseless misinformation.
Public Appearances Disprove Rumours
Barr. Wike cited his recent public engagements as proof of his good health, mentioning his attendance at the President’s Iftar gathering and his leadership of Abuja residents in a Sallah homage to President Tinubu.
“You see me every day. I was at the President’s Iftar when he celebrated his birthday. The next day, I led Abuja residents for the Sallah homage. I see all sorts of online stories—this is politics, but we are not distracted. We remain focused on delivering on our mandate,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to concerned Nigerians but urged against propagating ill will toward others, emphasizing that only God determines one’s fate.
“I appreciate the concern from Nigerians, but people should not wish others ill. Life and death are in God’s hands. No one can dictate when another person will pass. For those spreading these rumours, I can assure you that I will be the one writing their condolence messages,” he added.
Progress on FCT Infrastructure Projects
Speaking on the projects inspected, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress at the International Conference Centre (ICC) renovation, the Arterial Road N16 in Gishiri, and the Judges Quarters with its access roads in Katampe District.
“We visited the International Conference Centre, and work is progressing on schedule with quality execution. We also inspected the Gishiri and Judges Quarters road projects. The contractors, including Julius Berger and CGC, are doing excellent work,” he said.
He reassured the public that funding would not be an issue, as President Tinubu remains supportive of infrastructure development in the FCT.
Wike also encouraged taxpayers to fulfill their civic obligations, assuring them that their contributions were being put to visible use.
“All we ask is that taxpayers fulfill their obligations and hold us accountable. They can see the tangible results of their money at work,” he concluded.
