Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has defended the presence of his sons on both local and international trips with him.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Minister Wike said he has the right to travel with his children, adding that their presence on such trips does not violate any law.
“What law says that my sons shouldn’t travel? Let the FCT say where they paid N1. What official matter? Did they sign any document? It doesn’t need to be a personal trip,” he said.
Wike explained that his sons, who hold master’s degrees, accompany him for exposure and to understand how governance works.
“They have to know how Nigeria is. They have to learn about government,” he added.
Responding to a question on whether he was grooming them for politics, the minister said, “No, that’s not correct. My first son is a lawyer. He said he wants to be a farmer. They’ve gone for training in Spain and Lisbon. My second son finished from King’s College with a master’s degree in Economics. He said he wants to be in real estate.”
Wike also said he was grateful that his children have conducted themselves responsibly.
“I’m 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,” he said.
The minister has recently faced criticism after photos of him with his sons at official events, including the commissioning of projects in the FCT, circulated online.
Last week, Wike was criticised for taking his sons to the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Nigerians on social media accused him of using public funds for a family trip after his media aide, Lere Olayinka, posted a photo of Wike with his children and wrote, “When e reach your turn, carry your enemies travel.”
The post drew thousands of reactions, with many questioning the inclusion of the minister’s children in what they described as an official delegation.
