The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, has criticized activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, for labeling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal” in a recent social media post.
On August 25, Sowore took to X to condemn the oresident, referencing a video in which Tinubu claimed during a visit to Brazil that corruption no longer exists in Nigeria.
In response to Sowore’s comments, the Department of State Services (DSS) charged him with spreading misinformation, violating Nigeria’s Cybercrimes and Terrorism Prevention laws.
During the launch of the Arterial Road N1 project in Wuye, Abuja, on Thursday, Wike remarked that Sowore was “lucky” to have a president who adheres to the rule of law.
“In this country, someone can say on social media that the oresident is a criminal, and nothing happens.
“You are fortunate to have a oresident who believes in the rule of law. Keep being lucky. There are others you might encounter who won’t be as lenient,” Wike stated.
He compared this situation to the United States, where, although citizens can freely criticize their leaders, it is uncommon for anyone to directly call the American president a “criminal.”
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Regarding the ongoing indefinite strike by the FCT chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Wike assured that the government has allocated funds for the health sector in the 2025 budget, with ₦25 billion set aside for health-related capital projects.
He emphasized that any allowances and new hiring of doctors must adhere to proper procedures and urged the union to be patient.
“If the permanent secretary of the treasury submits a bill for allowances, what’s my role in that? They will be paid. But remember, everything follows a process,” he explained.
Wike also cautioned civil servants against intertwining politics with their service duties, advising that those interested in political activities should do so transparently rather than using the bureaucracy as a disguise.
