The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed widespread rumours that he recently travelled overseas for medical treatment, insisting his trip was only for rest.
Speaking on Thursday during the flag-off of a road construction project in Wuye District, Abuja, the former Rivers State governor faulted those behind the speculations, accusing them of politicising his private affairs.
“You see, in this country, people play politics with everything,” Wike said. “How can somebody just sit down and start spreading all kinds of things? Where they saw me, I don’t know. The hospital they claim I was in, I do not know.”
The minister explained that since assuming office in June, he had hardly taken a break from official duties. According to him, his recent foreign trip was the first time he deliberately set aside government work to rest.
“This time, I said, whatever it is, I must travel without carrying any file,” he explained. “If the whole place will crumble, let it crumble. One has to be alive before satisfying other people. The day you drop, another person will be announced. So, while working, you must also take time to relax.”
In a lighthearted but pointed remark, Wike prayed that those spreading the rumours would face health challenges themselves.
“God will continue to help them have a heart attack. That is my prayer. I will sign the condolences and tell them, ‘take heart, we love you,’” he said jokingly, drawing laughter from the audience.
Wike’s remarks followed recent reports claiming he had travelled to the United Kingdom for medical attention. The minister confirmed he was abroad but clarified that the trip was purely for rest and personal wellbeing.
