–Flays rumours about his health

–N25b approved in FCT 2025 budget to address resident doctors’ concerns, others

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised what he described as the growing trend of critics taking undue advantage of President Bola Tinubu’s respect for the rule of law to disparage his office, warning that such liberties are not granted in many countries.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony of the construction of Arterial Road N1 from Wuye District to Ring Road II in Abuja on Thursday, Wike took a swipe at online critics who, he observed, freely hurl insults at the President, saying such actions betray a lack of decorum and national respect.
“This is a country where somebody on social media will say Mr. President is a criminal; nothing will happen. You say all kinds of things you want to say, and nothing will happen,” Wike said.

“Tell me, no matter how people criticise Trump, have you ever seen any American citizen on social media or in public say their President is a criminal? But here, anybody can wake up in the morning and abuse the President, and we are happy,” he continued.
He described Nigerians as “lucky” to have a President who respects democratic values and urged the public not to abuse that privilege.
“You are lucky you have a President that believes in the rule of law. You are lucky. Continue to be lucky. There are those you will meet that you won’t be lucky again,” he warned.
On recent rumours concerning his health, the FCT Minister dismissed the speculation as unfounded, attributing it to mischief-makers who thrive on sensationalism.

He explained that his recent trip abroad was simply to rest after an intense period of project commissioning across the FCT, noting that he deliberately left work documents behind to enjoy a proper break.
“So, if the whole place will crumble, let it crumble. Because one has to be alive to satisfy other people,” he said.
“You know, this job we are doing, there are people waiting for you. The day you drop, they will announce another person from the presidency. So, you must make sure while you are working, you also take time out and relax,” Wike added.
The former Rivers State Governor also issued a sharp rebuke to those speculating about his health.
“Before I knew it, I was hearing rumours. They said I was sick. They even said I had a heart attack. God will continue to help them to have a heart attack,” he said sarcastically.
“It is my prayer. I will sign their condolence register and write in there that it’s God that gives and God that has taken. It’s my prayer.”

Wike expressed disappointment at what he described as a political culture that thrives on falsehoods and blackmail, urging Nigerians to be more discerning.
Responding to criticisms that his administration prioritises roads over health, Wike disclosed that the 2025 capital budget for health in the FCT contains a significant allocation of N25 billion.
He dismissed claims that his office has neglected the health sector, clarifying that delays in payments and recruitment are being addressed within proper administrative procedures.
“The SSS called me that people said they would demonstrate, that we are paying attention to roads and not health. I said demonstration is allowed, but nobody will blackmail me or stop me from doing what is right,” Wike stated.
He noted that while some doctors are owed allowances, his administration is working to resolve the issue in line with due process.

“We lost our Head of Service; we just appointed an acting Head of Service. I said, go and check, how much are they talking about? They said we have not employed doctors. I told the Civil Service Commission, if you’ve gotten a waiver, go ahead and employ them. I’m not a doctor, I’ve never thought of being one.”
On accusations of inaction, he queried, “Ask them, when did you get our budget? July. Yet they complain we are not acting. Everything has a procedure.”
Wike stressed that while peaceful protests are lawful, no one can use threats or blackmail to derail government activities.
“I told the Director of SSS — allow them to demonstrate. But nobody can stop me from holding this occasion today. Not one.”
The Minister also reiterated that infrastructure such as roads is not personal but built to serve the economic and social needs of all residents of the FCT.

“This road is not my road, it’s not Tinubu’s road. It is a road that will open up economic activities and improve the welfare of the people here,” he affirmed.
The Arterial Road N1 project, when completed, is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and accessibility within the capital city.