Nigerians ‘attack’ FCT Minister, Wike Over Dubai Trip with Sons

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has come under intense criticism after attending the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with his two sons.

Images from the event showed the minister’s sons wearing delegate tags and sitting beside him at some sessions, sparking outrage among Nigerians who accused Wike of turning an official engagement into what they described as a “family vacation” funded with public resources.

The summit, which drew mayors, policymakers, and city leaders from across the world, focused on promoting global partnerships in urban development and sustainability.

While officials welcomed Nigeria’s participation, the conversation shifted after Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, posted a picture of the minister and his children on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption: “When e reach your turn, carry your enemies travel.”

The post quickly went viral, attracting over 454,000 views, hundreds of reposts and quotes, and a wave of criticism from Nigerians who saw it as arrogant and insensitive.

Social media users questioned why the minister’s children were part of the official delegation, insisting that such opportunities should be reserved for civil servants or professionals within the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

One user, @magaflexing, wrote: “This is exactly one of the mindsets that has kept Africa backward. There should be nothing like friend or enemy in governance. It should be about the interest of the people and the best that can deliver should be the ones put in position.”

Another, @iOccupyNigeria, said: “Wike no be governor, no be mayor. He be Minister of FCT, yet he carry him children go Dubai as delegates. Na public money dem use fly go. Who born that kind impunity?”

A third commentator, @BigOnukwugha, added: “When a minister replaces career civil servants with family members on international trips, it weakens institutional growth and continuity.”

Others described the act as part of a broader pattern of nepotism among political elites. “You are watching your resources being spent on father and sons who will later rule over you. And you still clap for them,” wrote @Real_me_Abdul.

Beyond X, conversations on Facebook and other platforms accused Wike of grooming his children for political prominence. Some Nigerians likened the development to “dynastic politics” in parts of the country, where children of political leaders are gradually positioned for power.

Adding to the backlash, Isaac Fayose, younger brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, had earlier questioned Wike’s conduct in a viral Facebook post.

“What is Wike’s son doing in a meeting of the directors of the Ministry of Aviation and the FCT?” Fayose asked.

As the controversy grew, neither Wike nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration had issued any official response as of Wednesday.

Calls are now mounting for anti-corruption agencies and the National Assembly to investigate whether public funds were misused and if the minister’s conduct violated public service rules.