The summit, which attracts government officials and city leaders from around the world, saw Wike’s sons reportedly wearing official delegate lanyards, sparking outrage across social media. Many accused the minister of turning an official government engagement into a “family vacation” under the guise of public service.
The controversy deepened after Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, posted a dismissive message on X (formerly Twitter): “When e reach your turn, carry your enemies travel.” The remark was widely interpreted as mocking public concerns over accountability and transparency.
Social media users slammed the minister’s conduct. One user, @iOccupyNigeria, wrote, “Wike no be governor or mayor. He be Minister of FCT, yet he go Mayors’ Conference for Dubai, carry him children as delegates. Na public money dem use fly go. Na madness be this.”
Another user, @BigOnukwugha, argued that Wike’s decision undermines the professionalism of the FCT Administration. “When a minister takes his children to official meetings instead of ministry staff, it weakens institutional capacity and denies civil servants vital experience.”
The uproar follows an earlier viral Facebook post by Isaac Fayose, brother to former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose, questioning the presence of Wike’s son at a high-level meeting with Ministry of Aviation directors.
Many Nigerians likened the incident to what they described as “family-style governance,” drawing parallels with President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, who has been seen at several official engagements.
As inflation, unemployment, and insecurity continue to grip the nation, critics say such incidents deepen public distrust in leadership and highlight the growing divide between Nigeria’s political elite and ordinary citizens.
