Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed social‑media claims that he is unwell, insisting he remains in excellent shape.
In a teaser for a BBC Pidgin interview scheduled to air Saturday evening, the former Rivers State governor laughed off the speculation:
“See me so—do I look sick? In fact, people say I don’t even look 30! I’m strong, I dey kampe.”
Background to the Rumour
- April scare: Anonymous blogs alleged that Wike collapsed during an event at the Presidential Villa and was flown abroad for emergency treatment.
- Swift rebuttal: Within 48 hours, Wike appeared alongside President Bola Tinubu during Sallah festivities, joking with reporters and waving to photographers—yet whispers about his health persisted online.
On Grooming His Son for Politics
When asked whether he is preparing his son for elective office, Wike replied with characteristic candour:
“Why not? If he has the passion and the people accept him, what’s wrong with that?”
He added that public service should be based on competence, not lineage, but insisted no law bars children of politicians from entering the arena.
Political Undercurrents
Analysts suggest the health rumour is part of a broader campaign to dent Wike’s influence in both the Tinubu cabinet and Rivers politics, where his rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara continues to shape headlines.
For now, Wike’s televised vitality and his own tongue‑in‑cheek age joke appear to have put the illness narrative to rest. Whether critics pivot to new lines of attack remains to be seen, but the minister has made it clear: he is very much on his feet and in the game.
