FCT Minister Nyesom Wike defended President Tinubu’s tolerance of criticism, dismissed health rumours, and pledged N25bn for the FCT health sector while urging due process.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said Nigerians should count themselves fortunate to have President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a leader tolerant of criticisms.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during the flag-off of the Arterial Road N1 in Wuye, Wike said only in Nigeria could a citizen openly describe the President as a “criminal” without facing repercussions. He was alluding to activist Omoyele Sowore’s recent post on X, where Sowore criticised Tinubu’s claim in Brazil that corruption had been eradicated.
“This is a country where somebody on social media will say Mr President is a criminal; nothing will happen,” Wike said. “You are lucky you have a President who believes in the rule of law.”
Wike also dismissed rumours that he had suffered a heart attack. “It is my prayer that I will sign their condolences,” he remarked.
Addressing the strike by FCT resident doctors, Wike said N25 billion had been earmarked for health in the 2025 budget, stressing that while allowances and employment would be addressed, due process must be followed.
He warned against politicising the civil service.