Human rights activist and convener of #RevolutionNow Movement, Omoyele Sowore, has fired back at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over remarks attributed to the minister threatening him (Sowore) for frequently criticising President Bola Tinubu.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Wike took a swipe at social critics, particularly Sowore, who has frequently criticised his principal, Tinubu.
In his reaction, Sowore in a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, accused Wike of gross misconduct during his political career, saying he ought to be facing justice at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), wrote, “I heard that the FCT’s drunkard–murderer -landgrabber-thief Minister, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, said Bola Ahmed Tinubu should have assassinated me for calling him #TinubuisAcriminal.”
“SAD! Wike stole land in Abuja, Wike robbed the people of Rivers state, and Wike massacred Igbos at Obigbo.”
According to Sowore, “Wike should be in the Hague at the International Criminal Court.”
The exchange comes as the Department of Security Services (DSS) moved against Sowore over his social-media posts, an action that has itself provoked legal pushback from the activist.
Meanwhile, Sowore had filed suit challenging the DSS’s demands and seeking orders to prevent social platforms from deleting his posts, arguing the agency’s actions violate his constitutional right to free expression.
SaharaReporters had exclusively reported how Wike travelled to the United Kingdom for medical attention.
Sources privy to the minister’s health status told SaharaReporters that Wike had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and was under medical management.
Doctors reportedly recommended a bypass surgery, but Wike declined the procedure over concerns about being away from his duties for an extended period and the possibility of being replaced during his absence.
“Wike has travelled to the UK to seek medical attention,” one of the sources had said.
“They said he’s got congestive heart failure, which is being managed. He refused to do the bypass surgery recommended because he doesn’t want to be gone for too long or replaced.”
The minister’s decision to seek treatment abroad comes amid growing public interest in his health and capacity to continue in office.
In April 2021, Wike, then Governor of Rivers State, declared that he would not travel abroad for medical treatment, asserting that all the necessary equipment for examinations and care was available at the Government House.
He made the statement during a courtesy visit by the accreditation team of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to the Rivers State University College of Medical Sciences at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
In October 2021, while inspecting construction work at the Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre in Port Harcourt, then-Governor Wike had emphasised the government’s responsibility to ensure citizens have access to quality healthcare.
He had highlighted the importance of a well-equipped healthcare delivery system and adequate support for medical professionals to safeguard lives.
Wike noted that Nigerian doctors and medical experts can deliver effectively if provided with an enabling environment and proper incentives.
He stressed that the country already had the resources and facilities needed to improve the health sector, and emphasized the importance of training and retraining medical personnel.
Wike pointed to the Government House Hospital in Port Harcourt as an example, highlighting how patients continued to visit due to the availability of basic facilities and the dedication of its doctors.
