Amid swirling speculation regarding his health, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, made a public appearance in Abuja on Sunday, dispelling rumors that he had collapsed due to excessive alcohol consumption and suffered a partial stroke.
Reports had circulated on Friday night, alleging that Wike collapsed during a meeting and was initially taken to the State House Clinic, where doctors purportedly detected a high level of alcohol in his system. The unverified claims further suggested that his condition escalated into a stroke, necessitating advanced medical treatment in France.
However, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to Wike on Public Communications and Social Media, dismissed the reports as “fake news.”
Contrary to the speculation, Wike was present at the Presidential Banquet Hall in the State House, Abuja, on Sunday, where he joined President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries for an Eid-El-Fitr homage. Leading the FCT delegation, Wike delivered the opening remarks before guests presented greeting cards to the President.
The gathering included key figures such as lawmakers representing the FCT at the National Assembly, area council chairpersons, traditional rulers, religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim communities, and senior judicial officers. Among the high-profile attendees were Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris.
Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, shared videos on his X account, confirming Wike’s active participation in the event. One of his posts read, “FCT community led by the Honourable Minister of FCT, HM Nyesom Wike pay Eid-El-Fitr Homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House Banquet Hall.”
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Wike’s appearance at the event seemingly puts to rest the speculation surrounding his health. President Tinubu’s Eid-El-Fitr homage, his first since assuming office, commenced at 12:16 pm on Sunday with opening prayers led by Dr. Timothy Amazon, Chairman of the FCT Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, and Prof. SAS Galadanci, Murshid of the National Mosque.
The event underscored the unity and diversity of the FCT community while reaffirming Wike’s active role in governance, effectively silencing the unfounded rumors regarding his well-being.
