Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has heavily been criticized by Nigerians after including his two sons as official delegates to the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum (APCS) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Photos showing the sons wearing official delegate lanyards raised accusations that the minister was using public funds for a “family affair” or “state-sponsored family vacation.”
The Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) is a high-level international platform designed to foster cooperation and investment opportunities across various regions, including Africa. Minister Wike, who is a powerful figure in the current administration of President Bola Tinubu, traveled to the summit as Nigeria’s key representative for the FCT.
Many Nigerians across the social media world especially critics, view the action as a symbol of elite impunity and a misuse of public office that potentially denies experienced civil servants valuable international exposure.
The controversy was amplified when Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, publicly dismissed the criticism on X (formerly Twitter), stating,
When e reach your turn, carry your enemies travel – Olayinka
A comment widely interpreted as mocking the call for accountability.
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