Nigerians have taken to social media to express outrage after reports surfaced that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, attended the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, accompanied by his two sons — allegedly sponsored by public funds.
The summit, which brings together city leaders and government officials from around the world, was reportedly attended by Wike and his two sons.
However, photos and footage showing his sons wearing official lanyards as delegates sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the minister of turning government business into a “family affair.”
Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, fuelled the controversy further on Tuesday evening when he lashed out at critics questioning the propriety of the minister’s decision.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Olayinka wrote, “When e reach your turn, carry your enemies travel,” a statement many Nigerians interpreted as mockery of legitimate calls for accountability in public office.
Social media erupted soon after, with commentators and ordinary citizens condemning the apparent misuse of public funds.
User @iOccupyNigeria criticized the minister’s action, writing: Make una no use cruise cover madness. Wike no be governor. Him no be mayor. He be Minister of FCT, yet he go Mayors’ Conference for Dubai, carry him children as official delegates, tag lanyard join. Who born that kind impunity?
“Na public money dem use fly go. Hotel, feeding, transport, all funded — inside country wey people dey chop once a day, if dem lucky.”
The post continued: “Which one be Wike pikin role for this event? He be Mayor of what? Or na him dey represent Abuja Municipal Council? This one no be travel again. Na state-sponsored family vacation with delegate pass.
“You dey shout “carry your enemies travel” — bros, this one na carry your children use government cover cloth. Na why Nigeria no dey move. Make una no complain tomorrow say economy bad. Na una dey clap when person dey use ministerial office do dynasty tourism. Hisssssssssssssh.”
Another user, @MMBaloo, took a swipe at Olayinka, suggesting he was defending the indefensible: “The difference is that you didn’t go with your own children na I’m sure you will be running errands for those kids.”
Others, like @megaflexing, lamented that such actions represent a deeper problem in African governance: “This is exactly one of d mindset dat has kept Africa backward
There shld nothing like friend or enemy in governance. It shld be abt d interest of d pple & d best pple dat can deliver shld be d ones put in position”
Similarly, @Real_me_Abdul added a more philosophical tone, warning Nigerians about the consequences of complacency:
“You are witnessing your resources looted and spent on father and his children and being positioned for the future to come and rule over you like their fathers.
“It’s not that you have no choice. It’s because you have chosen to have choices in slávery. Think about your life, bro.”
According to @BigOnukwugha, the minister’s conduct undermines institutional development within the FCT Administration.
“When a minister like Wike takes his children instead of ministry staff to official engagements abroad, it undermines institutional growth. Career civil servants lose learning exposure needed to strengthen the ministry’s capacity and continuity. We should do better as a people.”
Another user, @rollinsonwali, criticized the government’s attitude towards citizens, saying: “The sad thing about government is that they mock the very people funding their lifestyle, then still tax them heavily to maintain it, while paying others peanuts to defend them on social media. It’s just sad and evil.”
Meanwhile, the controversy adds to growing concerns about misuse of public funds and perceived lack of accountability among political officeholders. With inflation, unemployment, and insecurity worsening in Nigeria, many citizens argue that such displays of extravagance by public officials deepen public distrust and highlight the widening gap between the ruling elite and ordinary Nigerians.
SaharaReporters previously reported that Nigerians had taken to social media to question the presence of Wike’s son at a meeting reportedly attended by directors from the Ministry of Aviation and the FCT Administration.
The controversy began after a Facebook post by Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, went viral on Friday. In his post, Fayose wrote, “What is Wike’s son doing in a meeting of the directors of the Ministry of Aviation and the FCT?”
The post quickly gained traction, prompting reactions from Nigerians on social media platforms, particularly on Facebook.
Many commentators accused Wike of replicating what they described as President Tinubu’s family-style governance, suggesting that the FCT Minister was adopting similar patterns of involving family members in sensitive government affairs.
Some critics likened the move to the role of Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, who has been seen attending official engagements and reportedly exerts influence in political and business circles.
Facebook users expressed disappointment over what they termed a culture of inherited political influence.
For instance, Dickson Eshiet Reloaded, wrote, “Operation promotes your son and I promote my son in the show. They are learning so fast from their leader, Jagaban.”
Oyeyemi Samuel Oluwatobi said, “He’s doing catch them young. Small time now wike go say the boy no be Nigeria citizen.”
Another Facebook user, Sunday Peter Osunleti said, “He’s learning the job sir Naso Seyi Tinubu started.”
Isaac Richards Anyakwu wrote, “Him they follow Tinubu foot step // as Seyi they attend Council of States meeting.”
Blessyn Kayz Egede said, “He has started introducing his son into the circle and Lere olayinka still dey do errand boy.”
However, many argue that Wike’s son’s presence at such a meeting undermines professionalism and blurs the line between public office and family influence.
