The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has denied allegations that he received a Rolls-Royce as a bribe or political favour, stating emphatically that he purchased the luxury vehicle with his own funds.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Thursday night, the former Rivers State governor dismissed corruption insinuations, claiming that his wealth predated his political career.
Wike stated during the interview, “I have a Rolls-Royce. So what? Nobody gave it to me. I bought it.
“People ask, ‘With what money?’ Let me tell you, I came from a comfortable background. My father was a general manager of several companies.”
He added that as a student, he already enjoyed certain luxuries. “As a student, I was driving a Mercedes-Benz. So don’t let anyone tell you I suddenly became wealthy. I didn’t come from poverty,” he said.
Addressing accusations of corruption, Wike maintained that he had never been found guilty of any wrongdoing by any court of law.
“When people say ‘corrupt,’ what exactly do they mean?” he asked rhetorically, adding, “No court has ever indicted me for corruption. Wanting money to pay school fees or take care of your family does not make you corrupt.
“Yes, I own properties, but it’s not overnight wealth”
Naijaonpoint reports that Wike also responded to claims that he owns multiple properties scattered across the country. He neither confirmed nor denied the specifics but defended his right to own assets, citing his long years of public service.
He said, “I was a Speaker for four years and Governor for eight years. Of course, I will have property. But that doesn’t make me corrupt.
“I’m not a bushman. I came from a structured family. In my local government, my father was one of the few who had a duplex back then.”
Wike didn’t hold back in his criticism of former Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, whom he accused of projecting his own conduct onto others.
Wike said, “Someone said I was given a Rolls-Royce by a contractor. That’s a lie. That’s what he did, not me. That’s why he’s angry.
“He took a car from someone doing a job for him. That’s bribery, not what I did.”
Concluding his remarks, Wike said the difference between him and his critics was not just about wealth, but also about background.
“You cannot compare where I came from with where others (Amaechi) came from. We are not on the same level,” he said.