The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),
Nyesom Wike, has defended his decision to take his sons along on both
local and international trips, saying he has every right to do so and that no
public funds were spent on them.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics
Today on Monday, Wike responded to viral photos showing him with his sons
during official engagements and foreign trips, including a recent summit in
Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
He described the criticism as misplaced, insisting
that his sons’ participation in such trips was part of their exposure and
personal development.
“What law says that my sons shouldn’t travel? Let the
FCT say where they paid ?1,” the minister said.
“What official matter? Did they sign any document? It doesn’t have to be a
personal trip. I can travel with anybody from the FCT. I can travel with
anybody in Nigeria. I have that right.”
Wike added that his sons, who are master’s degree
holders, needed to learn about governance and global affairs.
“Oh, come on, they have to know how Nigeria is. They
have to learn about government,” he said.
When asked if he was grooming his sons to become
politicians, Wike dismissed the suggestion.
“No, that’s not correct. My first son is a lawyer, but
he said he doesn’t want to practise law — he wants to be a farmer. He has gone
for training in Spain and Lisbon.
My second son has a master’s degree in Economics from King’s College and wants
to go into real estate,” he explained.
The former Rivers State governor also spoke fondly of
his children, saying they have brought him pride and peace of mind.
“I’m so happy that I have children who have given me
comfort, who have not given me problems.
Assuming they were somewhere smoking, you would have said, ‘Look at these
children.’ I will not travel with my enemy’s children,” Wike said jokingly.
Wike has often been seen with his sons at official
events, including project commissioning ceremonies in the FCT. However, their
appearance at an international summit in Dubai last week sparked online
criticism from some Nigerians, who questioned the propriety of their presence.
The minister’s remarks appear aimed at putting the
controversy to rest, reiterating that his family’s travel expenses were
privately funded and within his rights.
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