In a move that has ignited heated debate across Nigeria’s digital space, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike is under fire for including his two sons in his official delegation to the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai. The summit, meant to showcase Abuja’s growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda, has now been overshadowed by accusations of nepotism and misuse of public funds.
Photos and videos from the event showed Wike’s sons wearing official delegate badges and mingling with participants. Within hours, social media erupted, with critics condemning what many called a “family vacation funded by taxpayers.” One user on X fumed, “Wike no be governor, no be mayor. He be Minister of FCT, yet carry him children go Dubai as delegates. Na public money dem use fly go.”
As Nigeria struggles with inflation and unemployment, many saw the move as tone-deaf. Others argued that public servants should be the ones representing the FCT at such global gatherings.
Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, inflamed the controversy with a dismissive post on X: “When e reach your turn, carry your enemies travel.” The comment triggered widespread backlash. One user replied, “This is the mindset that has kept Africa backward. There should be nothing like friend or enemy in governance.”
This isn’t the first time Wike’s family ties have drawn attention. Just last week, Isaac Fayose, brother to former Ekiti governor Ayo Fayose, questioned why Wike’s son attended a meeting between the Ministry of Aviation and FCT Administration directors. “What is Wike’s son doing in that meeting?” he asked, reigniting talks about “family-style governance” in Nigeria.
Political analysts warn that such actions damage public trust and sideline professionals. “When a minister takes his children instead of ministry experts to official events, it undermines institutional development,” one observer noted.
So far, the FCT Ministry has not issued a statement explaining the sons’ inclusion or who funded their travel. But online, hashtags like #WikeSonsInDubai and #AccountabilityNow continue to trend as Nigerians demand answers.
In an era of economic hardship, this Dubai controversy highlights the fine line between leadership and privilege—and how quickly public perception can turn when transparency is lacking.
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