Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has responded sharply to activist and African Action Congress presidential hopeful Omoyele Sowore, following Sowore’s public accusation labeling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal.”
On August 25, Sowore posted a tweet referencing a video of President Tinubu’s visit to Brazil, where the President asserted that corruption no longer exists in Nigeria under his leadership. Sowore’s tweet read: “This criminal @officialpbat actually went to Brazil to claim there is no more corruption under his administration in Nigeria. Such blatant dishonesty is shocking!”
In reaction to this, the Department of State Services (DSS) initiated legal proceedings against Sowore, charging him with defamation and alleging that his statements violated Nigeria’s Cybercrimes and Terrorism Prevention statutes. The DSS also demanded that social media platforms X and Meta remove the contentious tweet, citing concerns over national security and public order. Sowore, however, refused to retract his statement, accusing the DSS of suppressing free speech and condemning their actions as “reprehensible.”
During the inauguration of the Arterial Road N1 construction in Wuye on September 18, Wike remarked that Sowore was fortunate to have a President who upholds the rule of law. “In this nation, someone can label the President a criminal on social media and face no consequences. People say all sorts of things, yet nothing happens. Think about it-no American citizen publicly calls their President a criminal on social media. Have you ever heard that? But here, anyone can wake up and insult the President, and we tolerate it. You are lucky to have a leader who respects legal processes. Count yourself lucky. There are others you might encounter where luck won’t be on your side,” Wike stated.
Addressing the ongoing indefinite strike by the FCT Chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors, Wike highlighted that the 2025 budget, recently ratified by the National Assembly, allocates N25 billion to the health sector. He emphasized that the disbursement of allowances and recruitment of medical personnel must adhere to proper protocols and urged the striking doctors to remain patient.
“The SSS informed me about planned protests, claiming we focus on infrastructure but neglect healthcare. I spoke with the Director and made it clear that demonstrations are permitted everywhere. No one will intimidate me or prevent me from doing what is right at the appropriate time. Regarding claims of unpaid allowances and unfilled doctor positions, we recently appointed an acting Head of Service after losing the previous one. I instructed the Civil Service Commission chairman to verify these claims. They confirmed a waiver for hiring doctors, so I said, ‘Proceed with the recruitment.’ I am not a medical professional, but I support their employment. As for improving health facilities, the 2025 budget dedicates N25 billion to capital health projects. The National Assembly approved this in July. So, when you hear complaints, ask questions,” Wike explained.
Wike also cautioned against politicizing the FCT Civil Service. “If you want to join political party A, go ahead and face me when the time comes. But do not use the Civil Service as a political tool. If the Permanent Secretary of the Treasury submits the bill for allowances, I have no reason to withhold payment-they will be paid. However, everything must follow due process. If people want to protest and block roads, I told the SSS Director to allow it, but no one will stop me from holding this event today-not a single person,” he concluded.
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