By Huldah Shado
Nigerians have expressed outrage after photos surfaced showing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, attending the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai with his two sons, who were allegedly sponsored with public funds.
Images of Wike’s sons wearing delegate lanyards went viral, sparking backlash and accusations that the minister turned an official trip into a “family affair.”
The controversy deepened after Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, defended the minister in a post on X, saying, “When e reach your turn, carry your enemies travel,” a remark many interpreted as mocking calls for accountability.
Social media users condemned the alleged misuse of public resources, describing it as an example of government impunity amid economic hardship.
Critics argued that by taking his children instead of ministry officials, Wike undermined institutional growth and denied civil servants valuable international exposure.
The incident adds to mounting public frustration over perceived extravagance and lack of transparency among political officeholders.
