Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed criticisms over the presence of his sons at official and foreign events, insisting he has every right to travel with them.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Monday, the former Rivers State governor reacted to viral photos showing his sons accompanying him on official assignments, including recent project inaugurations in Abuja and international summits abroad.
What law says that my sons shouldn’t travel? Wike asked. Let the FCT show where they paid ₦1. Did they sign any official document? It doesn’t have to be a personal trip. I can travel with anybody in Nigeria. I have that right.
The minister explained that his sons, who are master’s degree holders, needed such exposure to understand how government works.
They have to know how Nigeria is. They have to learn about government,” he added.
Wike also revealed details about his children’s careers, stressing that none of them is interested in politics.
My first son is a lawyer but said he doesn’t want to practise. He wants to be a farmer. They’ve gone for training in Spain and Lisbon. My second son has a master’s in economics from King’s College and wants to go into real estate, he said.
Expressing satisfaction with their conduct, Wike noted, I’m happy I have children who give me comfort and haven’t caused me problems. Assuming they were somewhere smoking, people would still talk. I will not travel with my enemy’s children.
The minister’s comments come after public criticism over his sons’ appearance at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
