Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has responded to criticisms over his decision to travel with his two sons, Jordan and Joaquin, to the United Arab Emirates for an official assignment.
The backlash followed the Minister’s appearance at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayor’s Forum in Dubai, where his sons were seen with members of the Nigerian delegation.
Many Nigerians had accused Wike of wasting public funds and involving his children in government activities despite them not being officials.
The former Rivers State governor dismissed the outrage as baseless, stressing that he did nothing illegal or unethical.
Speaking during an interview, Wike maintained that he did nothing wrong by taking his sons along, insisting he has the right to travel with whomever he chooses.
He said his sons, as master’s degree holders, needed the exposure.
Wike challenged critics to provide evidence that the Federal Capital Territory Administration funded his sons’ trip, stressing that no law forbids them from joining him.
“What law says that my sons shouldn’t travel? Let the FCT say where they paid ₦1.
READ ALSO: Immigration Denies Seizing Senator Natasha’s Passport
“What official matter? Did they sign any document? It doesn’t need to be a personal trip.
“What’s wrong? So, I can travel with anybody from the FCT. I can travel with anybody in Nigeria. I have that right.
“Oh, come on, they have to know how Nigeria is. They have to learn about government,” Wike said.
When asked if he was preparing his sons for political roles, the former Rivers State governor dismissed the suggestion.
Wike explained that his first son studied law but chose to go into farming, while his second son holds a master’s degree in Economics and is pursuing a career in real estate.
“No, that’s not correct. My first son is a lawyer. He said, ‘No, I’m not going to practise. I want to be a farmer.’
“I said, ‘What do you mean by this? He said, ‘No, this is what I want to do.’ I said, ‘Okay’. What do you do?
“They’ve gone for training in Spain. They’ve gone for training in Lisbon.
“My second son finished from King’s College — a master’s degree in Economics. He said he wants to be in real estate.”
The former Rivers State governor also said he is happy that his sons behave responsibly and give him comfort.
“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, ‘Oh, look at these children now. Who are they? I will not travel with my enemy’s children,” he added.
Wike has been spotted with his sons at official events, including the commissioning of projects in the FCT.
Last week, he was criticised by some Nigerians for taking them to a summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.