The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has defended his decision to fly his two sons, Jordan and Joaquin, to the United Arab Emirates for an official assignment, following widespread criticism from Nigerians.
Wike had attended the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayor’s Forum held in Dubai last week, alongside a Nigerian delegation. Photos showing his sons among other delegates sparked outrage online, with many accusing the Minister of misusing public funds and turning official duty into a family affair.
Speaking on Channels Television on Monday night, Wike dismissed the allegations, insisting that he had done nothing wrong by allowing his sons to accompany him.
“What law says that my sons shouldn’t travel? Let the FCT say where they paid one naira. What official matter? Did they sign any document? It doesn’t need to be a personal trip. What’s wrong? I can travel with anybody from the FCT. I can travel with anybody in Nigeria. I have that right,” he said.
“They have to know how Nigeria is. They have to learn about government.”
When asked if he was grooming his sons for politics, the former Rivers State governor denied the claim, explaining that they had already chosen their own career paths.
“No, that’s not correct. My first son is a lawyer. He said he doesn’t want to practise law—he wants to be a farmer. They’ve gone for training in Spain and Lisbon.
My second son finished from King’s College with a master’s degree in Economics. He said he wants to be in real estate,” Wike stated.
The Minister further expressed pride in his children, describing them as well-behaved and disciplined.
“I’m so happy that I have children who have given me comfort, who have not given me problems. Assuming they were somewhere smoking, you would have said, ‘Oh, look at these children.’ I will not travel with my enemy’s children,” he added.
Wike’s comments have continued to stir mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians questioning the ethics of involving family members in official government trips.
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