The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied the rumours that he collapsed due to Ill-health last weekend, describing the rumours as a diversionary tactic aimed at shifting public attention from critical national issues.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday in Abuja, Wike dismissed the reports as baseless, emphasising that he had no health concerns.
“I don’t want to give credence to those who are interested in spreading rumours. First of all, I am a human being, not goods that will collapse. It is a human being that will collapse if there is any health problem. Fortunately, I did not collapse, and I have shown no signs of any health issues,” he stated.
Wike linked the rumours to recent developments in Rivers State, where, according to him, revelations were made about how public assets and facilities were sabotaged.
“The former Head of Service of Rivers State came forward to inform the public about a plot to bomb the House of Assembly complex and attack national assets. To divert attention from that, they had to create rumours that I had collapsed and was flown overseas,” he explained.
He further pointed out that his public appearances on Sallah Day and subsequent days following the alleged incident should have put the rumours to rest.
“The day Mr President celebrated his birthday, I was there. The next day, I led Abuja residents in the Sallah homage, and suddenly, all those stories disappeared. It’s all politics.”
Reaffirming his commitment to his duties, Wike stated that such distractions would not deter him.
“We have thick skins; these things don’t bother us. We are not distracted; we are focused on our jobs.”
The minister also expressed gratitude to Nigerians who showed concern over the false reports but urged people to be mindful of their wishes towards others.
“I thank Nigerians for their concerns. People should not wish their fellow human beings such things. We all know that one day, we will die—nobody will remain in this world forever—but only God knows the day,” Wike counselled.
Concluding with a bold remark, Wike dismissed those behind the rumours, stating, “I am healthier than most of them. I can assure you that I will write their condolence letter.”
