The minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says he remains unfazed by critics and will stay focused on delivering his responsibilities.
During his recent trip abroad, rumours circulated that he was gravely ill and receiving treatment.
Speaking on Thursday at the flag-off of the construction of an arterial road in Wuye district, Abuja, Wike dismissed such claims, stating that those wishing him dead would be disappointed because he would be the one to sign their condolence messages.
“It is my prayer that I will sign their condolences. It is my prayer that very soon I will write a letter that we are sorry we loved him but take heart because it’s God that gives and has taken,” Wike said.
The minister also addressed recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu by Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters.
On August 25, Sowore referred to Tinubu as a “criminal” while reacting to the president’s remarks on corruption during his visit to Brazil.
Following this, the Department of State Services (DSS) requested that Sowore’s verified social media accounts be deactivated, saying his statements could incite violence and endanger national security.
Wike, however, said Sowore was “fortunate” to have a president who respects the rule of law, warning that such liberty might not exist under a different administration.
“This is a country where somebody on social media will say Mr President is a criminal; nothing will happen. You say all kinds of things you want to say, but nothing will happen,” he said.
**“No matter how you see people criticise Trump, have you ever seen any American citizen on social media, or in public, say our President is a criminal? Have you heard that?
“But here, anybody can wake up in the morning and abuse the President, and we are happy.
“You are lucky you have a president who believes in the rule of law. You are lucky. Continue to be lucky.”**
Wike stressed that there are leaders who would never allow such criticisms, unlike Tinubu.