By John Audu.
Abuja, Nigeria – March 30, 2025 – Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), made a public appearance at President Bola Tinubu’s Eid-El-Fitr celebration at the State House in Abuja on Sunday, effectively countering widespread rumors of a recent health scare.
Speculation had swirled on Friday night, with unverified reports alleging that Wike had collapsed during a meeting due to excessive alcohol consumption. These reports claimed he was initially treated at the State House Clinic, where doctors supposedly detected a high blood alcohol level. Further rumors suggested this incident led to a partial stroke, with dire predictions about his future mobility, and that he was subsequently flown to France for advanced medical care.
Lere Olayinka, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, swiftly dismissed these claims as “fake news.”
Wike’s presence at the Presidential Banquet Hall, where he led the FCT delegation in paying Eid homage to President Tinubu, served as a tangible rebuttal to the circulating rumors. He delivered the opening remarks at the event, which was attended by lawmakers, area council chairpersons, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and senior judicial officers.
Dada Olusegun, Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Social Media, shared video evidence of Wike’s participation on his X account. “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,” one caption read. Another post highlighted Wike presenting a Sallah greeting card to the President on behalf of FCT residents.
Wike’s active involvement in the public event appears to have successfully quelled the circulating rumors regarding his health.
