Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he is acting as the spokesperson for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that his monthly media chat is strictly to update residents on developments within the nation’s capital.
Speaking during the FCT Minister’s Media Chat on Friday in Abuja, Wike said his mandate is to communicate the activities, priorities and progress of the FCT Administration, not to defend or speak on behalf of the entire Federal Government.
“Of course, I am not speaking for government,” Wike stated. “I am letting the world know what we are doing under Tinubu’s administration in the FCT. I owe a duty to inform the public about what is happening, what we are planning to do, and the projects already ongoing. That is my responsibility.”
Wike also criticised activist Omoyele Sowore’s allegation that the Presidency had stopped him from holding media engagements, describing the claim as “junk news” aimed at stirring unnecessary controversy.
“How will a president ban me from letting people know what the administration is doing, particularly as it pertains to the FCT?” he queried. “These are baseless fabrications.”
The Minister further debunked speculation that he was flown abroad for medical treatment, saying his political opponents were behind the rumour.
“We are all human beings and anybody can fall sick anytime,” he noted. “But it is unfortunate too I never fell sick to be flown abroad. These are lies you don’t need to pay attention to.”
Wike maintained that transparency remains central to his leadership approach and assured that he will continue engaging with the public through regular updates to ensure residents are fully informed of the administration’s programmes and reforms.
