Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has come under intense public criticism after including his two sons as part of Nigeria’s official delegation to the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The Asia Pacific Cities Summit (APCS) is a high-level global platform designed to promote cooperation among cities, governments, and businesses seeking trade and investment opportunities across the Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
Wike, who departed Abuja on Sunday, arrived in Dubai early Monday morning and was received by Nigeria’s Consul General in Dubai, Ambassador Zayyanu Ibrahim, along with senior officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who had arrived ahead of him.
However, images and video clips showing Wike’s sons wearing official delegate lanyards quickly went viral on social media, triggering a backlash from Nigerians who accused the minister of nepotism and abuse of public office.
Critics argued that by allowing his children to attend a government summit as “delegates,” Wike blurred the line between public service and personal privilege, especially at a time when ordinary citizens face economic hardship.
The controversy deepened when Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, responded to the growing criticism in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“When e reach your turn, carry your enemies travel.”
The remark, widely perceived as dismissive and provocative, was met with outrage, with many interpreting it as mockery of public accountability.
