The Presidency has reportedly suspended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s monthly media briefings over alleged misconduct and rising political tension in Rivers State.
Sources said the move aims to prevent further instability.
The Presidency has reportedly suspended the monthly media briefings of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over alleged misconduct and fears that his comments could destabilize Rivers State, where political tensions remain high.
The decision followed concerns that Wike’s regular press sessions had become confrontational, often marked by threats, inflammatory remarks, and attacks on perceived political rivals.
A senior presidency source said, “One of the reasons for the ban is that relative calm has begun to return to Rivers State after Wike unsuccessfully lobbied President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency when Governor Siminalayi Fubara blocked his access to the state treasury.”
Another insider revealed that Wike’s verbal attacks on Rivers elders who attempted to mediate in his rift with Governor Fubara raised fears that his public outbursts could reignite political instability. “The president’s camp is worried that Wike’s comments against those elders might trigger another crisis in the state,” the source said.
Reports suggest that Wike has opposed the decision and is lobbying the president’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to overturn the restriction.
The feud between Wike and Fubara intensified in early 2025, leading President Bola Tinubu to impose emergency rule in Rivers State a move later endorsed by the National Assembly. Though a peace deal was eventually brokered, tensions between both camps have persisted.
The decision to suspend Wike’s media sessions also reportedly stems from corruption allegations, including reports that he secretly purchased three luxury homes in Winter Springs, Florida, and transferred ownership to his children. Activist Omoyele Sowore has reportedly petitioned Florida authorities to investigate the transactions and urged Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau to act.
Domestically, Wike has also faced accusations of land grabbing and questionable revocations of property allocations in Abuja.
“The optics are troubling for the administration. Having a minister who frequently stirs controversy is risky for the presidency,” a senior official was quoted as saying.
Officials clarified that Wike may still appear before selected media outlets when necessary, but his unrestricted monthly briefings have been suspended indefinitely.
