ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has boldly reacted to rumors regarding his alleged death, declaring that he would sign condolence registers for all those who wished him dead.
His comments came in response to widespread speculation that he had collapsed at a meeting last Friday in Abuja and was rushed to France, where he reportedly died.
Wike, who was visibly unbothered by the rumors, addressed the media after inspecting various projects in Abuja, dismissing the claims as deliberate distractions from his work.
He made it clear that the rumors were orchestrated by political opponents who were unhappy with his recent comments about the suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.
In his statement, Wike remarked, “You have seen that I am even healthier than most of them who carried that rumour and I will write their condolence letters.”
He further reassured the public that there was no truth to the rumors, explaining that no health issues had caused him to collapse or be taken overseas for treatment.
“I don’t want to give credence to people who are only interested in carrying rumours. First of all, I am a human being, it is not a ghost that will collapse. It is human beings that will collapse if there is any problem with their health. Unfortunately, I did not collapse and I did not show any sign that I have any health problem.”
The Minister made it clear that he had not been to France, nor had he collapsed.
He even noted his continued active participation in official duties, including attending the President’s Iftar on his birthday and leading Abuja residents in paying Sallah homage the following day.
Wike attributed the false rumors to political maneuvering by his opponents.
“What happened was that you saw that the former Head of Service (in Rivers state) came out to let the public know what was going on, how they planned to bomb the House of Assembly complex and how they planned to attack national assets. In order to divert attention from people not focusing on that, they had to bring one rumor that they have been flown overseas,” he explained.
The FCT Minister took the opportunity to call on Nigerians to refrain from spreading malicious rumors, emphasizing that it is crucial to support one another rather than wish ill upon anyone.
“I thank Nigerians for being worried, which it should be, but people should not wish their fellow human beings such a thing to happen,” Wike said.
He concluded by reassuring the public that the rumors would not distract him from his work, reinforcing his commitment to the development of the FCT.
He remarked, “We have thick skin. Those things don’t bother us. We are not distracted. We are focused on our jobs.”
