FCT Minister Nyesom Wike defends sons’ official trips, insisting no law forbids family travel, dismissing critics’ claims as baseless and politically motivated.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has once again responded strongly to public criticism over his decision to allow his sons to accompany him on both local and international government functions.
During a Monday night appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, the minister firmly stated that Wike defends sons’ official trips, emphasizing that no law in Nigeria prohibits public officials from traveling with their families.
According to him, the outrage generated across social media platforms stems from misinformation and political mischief.
Wike insisted that he reserves the constitutional right to decide who travels with him on official assignments, as long as no government funds are misused.
“What law says my sons shouldn’t travel with me? Let the FCT Administration show where they paid even ₦1,” he said confidently.
“Did they sign any official document? No. So what’s the issue? These are distractions.”
Wike reiterated that his children’s presence on these trips has no financial implication for the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
He clarified that his sons’ travel expenses are privately funded, adding that critics are merely looking for faults where none exist.
“People just want to create controversies around me,” he said.
“I can travel with anybody — my sons, relatives, or friends. It’s my right, and it violates no rule.”
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Wike stated that he takes his sons along to expose them to governance, leadership, and the workings of public service. He believes such exposure helps young people develop maturity, civic awareness, and a sense of responsibility.
“They have to know how Nigeria functions,” Wike said.
“They must understand what government means, what leadership requires, and why discipline matters.”
He added that accompanying him to events such as international conferences and urban planning summits offers them valuable insights into global issues affecting Nigeria. For him, it is part of mentoring and raising future leaders, not grooming them to follow his political path.
Addressing questions about whether he is preparing his sons to follow in his political footsteps, the FCT Minister rejected that notion.
Instead, he revealed that his sons have chosen their own distinct career paths based on personal interests.
“My first son studied law, but he decided he doesn’t want to practise. He said he wants to be a farmer,” Wike disclosed.
“I was initially surprised, but I encouraged him. He has gone for agricultural training in Spain and Lisbon.”
His second son, according to him, completed a master’s degree in Economics from King’s College, London, and plans to build a career in real estate and property development.
“They’re both focused and ambitious,” Wike said.
“They’ve never brought me shame. Instead, they’ve given me peace and pride.”
He further stressed that having responsible children should be celebrated, not criticized.
“I’m glad my sons bring me comfort,” he added.
“If they were out there smoking or misbehaving, people would have said, ‘Look at Wike’s children.’ But because they are disciplined, critics still find faults. I won’t travel with my enemy’s children.”
The controversy over Wike defends sons’ official trips intensified after photos circulated online showing his sons accompanying him to various official events, including the World Urban Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Critics accused the minister of nepotism and misuse of office, alleging that he was blending family privileges with public functions.
However, Wike dismissed the accusations as unfounded. He challenged anyone with evidence of public funds being spent on his sons’ trips to present it.
“Let those talking bring proof,” Wike said. “If anyone can show that the FCTA paid a kobo for my sons’ tickets, then I’ll resign today.”
According to him, such controversies are driven by those who cannot match his achievements and influence in governance.
“People attack me because they can’t handle my success,” he said.
“They focus on trivial issues instead of what matters — my results in the FCT.”
Wike, known for his outspoken nature and bold leadership style, said he remains focused on his duties as FCT Minister and will not be distracted by personal attacks.
He explained that traveling with family members does not interfere with his official performance.
“Being around family gives me peace of mind,” he noted.
“They are my support system. It reminds me why I must work hard — for the next generation.”
Political analysts have observed that the issue highlights a recurring debate about ethics in public office — particularly, the boundaries between personal and official life.
But many also agree that as long as no public funds are misused, there is no legal or moral violation.
Wike maintained that transparency remains central to his administration’s values. He said critics should evaluate him based on his achievements in Abuja’s infrastructure renewal, not his private family choices.
“Judge me by my work,” he said. “Look at what I’m doing in Abuja — the roads, the housing projects, the clean-up. That’s what matters, not who travels with me.”
Through his statements and demeanor, Wike defends sons’ official trips as lawful, personal, and morally justified. He insists that his actions conform with the constitution and that his children’s presence on official journeys is a private matter.
He urged Nigerians to separate governance from personal life and to stop politicizing harmless family choices. The minister concluded that as long as he continues to serve the FCT effectively, he will not bow to undue pressure or public sentiment.
“I have done nothing wrong,” Wike affirmed. “My sons’ presence on official trips does not breach any law. It’s family, it’s personal, and it’s within my rights as a father.”
In the end, Wike defends sons’ official trips not as an act of privilege, but as a father’s right to expose his children to leadership and the workings of government, ensuring they learn, grow, and contribute positively to Nigeria’s future.
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