By Sarah NEGEDU
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has debunked rumours of his alleged collapse and emergency medical evacuation abroad, describing it as baseless and a diversion from critical national issues.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects, Wike dismissed the speculation as a political ploy aimed at shifting focus from allegations of planned attacks on national assets, including the Rivers State House of Assembly complex, as alleged by a former Head of Service of Rivers State government.
“What happened was that the former Head of Service of Rivers State government came out to let the public know what was going on about a plan to bomb the House of Assembly complex and attack national assets. To divert the attention of people from focusing on that, they had to bring up rumours that I had been flown overseas. There was never a time I collapsed or needed medical evacuation.”
The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to governance in the FCT, insisting he remains undeterred by such distractions.
The minister chronicled his public engagement during the said rumours, citing his presence at the President’s Iftar engagement and his leading of Abuja residents during the Sallah homage to the President as evidence of his robust health.
“You see me every day. The day Mr. President broke Iftar during his birthday, I was there. The next day, I led Abuja residents to pay Sallah homage. I see so many stories online, this is politics. Those things don’t bother us. We are not distracted. We are focused on our jobs.”
He thanked Nigerians for their concern but cautioned against wishing ill health on others, pointing that only God determines the time of one’s passing. “I thank Nigerians for showing concern, but people should not wish their fellow human beings such a thing to happen. We know that we will die one day, nobody will remain in this world forever, but it’s only God who determines the day you will die. No human being can say you will die today or tomorrow. So, don’t bother yourself, I’m very agile and I can assure you that I will write the condolence letters for those peddling these rumours.”
On the infrastructure projects inspected, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the International Conference Centre renovation, Arterial Road N16 in Gishiri, and the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District.
He said, “We were at the International Conference Centre where much work has been done. They are keeping to the time that they have given and they are also doing a good quality job. We’ve gone to Gishiri and the roads leading to the Justices Quarters. I’m very much impressed with the good jobs and the contractors handling these projects. You can attest to the fact that this is a quality job being carried out”.
While commending the contractors handling the projects for their dedication, the minister assured that funding, backed by President Bola Tinubu, remains steady and urged taxpayers to fulfill their obligations promising that they will witness the tangible results of their contributions. “All we will say is that those who are supposed to pay their taxes should pay their taxes, and ask us what we are doing with taxpayers’ money. They can see what we are doing with taxpayers’ money.”
