Rumours Of My Ill-health Meant To Cover Up Exposed Atrocities In Rivers, Says Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vehemently denied rumours that he collapsed due to ill-health last weekend, calling the reports baseless and part of a deliberate effort to divert public attention from critical national issues.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday in Abuja, Wike dismissed the claims as unfounded, stating that he had no health concerns. He emphasized that there was no truth to the reports, which he attributed to political tactics aimed at overshadowing more pressing matters.

“I don’t want to give credence to those who are interested in spreading rumours. First of all, I am a human being, not goods that will collapse. It is a human being that will collapse if there is any health problem. Fortunately, I did not collapse, and I have shown no signs of any health issues,” he remarked.

Wike linked the rumours to recent revelations in Rivers State, where, he said, significant information had surfaced regarding the sabotage of public assets and facilities. He pointed to a statement made by the former Head of Service of Rivers State, who had publicly disclosed a plot to bomb the House of Assembly complex and target national assets. According to Wike, the rumours about his alleged collapse were a diversionary tactic intended to shift focus away from these developments.

“To divert attention from that, they had to create rumours that I had collapsed and was flown overseas,” Wike explained.

The minister further noted that his continued public appearances, including attending events on Sallah Day and the days following the alleged incident, should have put the rumours to rest.

“The day Mr. President celebrated his birthday, I was there. The next day, I led Abuja residents in the Sallah homage, and suddenly, all those stories disappeared. It’s all politics,” Wike stated.

Reaffirming his commitment to his duties, Wike made it clear that such distractions would not interfere with his focus. “We have thick skins; these things don’t bother us. We are not distracted; we are focused on our jobs,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to Nigerians who showed concern over the false reports but urged them to be cautious in their words and actions towards others. “I thank Nigerians for their concerns. People should not wish their fellow human beings such things. We all know that one day, we will die—nobody will remain in this world forever—but only God knows the day,” Wike said.

In a final, bold remark, the minister dismissed those behind the rumours, stating, “I am healthier than most of them. I can assure you that I will write their condolence letter.”