The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims that he is acting as the spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Wike made the clarification during his monthly media chat in Abuja on Friday, stating that his briefings are meant to inform the public about developments and ongoing projects within the FCT, not to speak on behalf of the Federal Government.
Responding to allegations made by activist Omoyele Sowore that the Presidency had barred him from holding his media session, Wike said the claim was false and baseless.
He explained, “Of course, I am not speaking for government, I am letting the world know what we are doing under the Tinubu’s administration. I am Minister of Federal Capital Territory and I owe a duty to let the public know what is happening within the territory, what we are about to do, and what we are going to do in the future, which is my responsibility.”
The FCT Minister also debunked rumours that he had been flown abroad for medical treatment, describing them as lies peddled by mischief-makers.
In his words, “He talked about somebody being sick. We are all human beings, anybody can fall sick any time but it’s unfortunate too, I never fell sick to be flown abroad. So these are things you don’t need to pay attention to.”
Wike also reacted to reports that President Tinubu had allegedly banned him from holding media chats, describing the story as “junk news.”
He added, “And then somebody said, the president banned me from having a media chat. It’s the same junk news that they will carry. How will a president ban you from letting people know what the administration is doing, particularly as it pertains to the FCT?”
The minister maintained that his monthly briefings are part of his duties to ensure transparency and keep residents informed of his ministry’s programmes.