The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has publicly and firmly dismissed widespread social media reports alleging he was arrested in France. The former Rivers State governor labelled the viral story as completely false and a politically motivated attempt to distract him from his duties.
Wike Addresses False Reports During Project Inspection
Wike spoke to journalists on Friday, December 5, 2025, in Abuja, where he was inspecting the ongoing Gwarimpa Interchange project. He revealed that while the false reports of his arrest in France were circulating online, he was actually on the ground in Nigeria, overseeing projects in the Kubwa and Bwari areas of the FCT.
"People will like to distract you, but once you are focused, you won’t be perturbed. Critics will always try to play politics," Wike stated. He emphasized that his primary focus remains on delivering infrastructure and serving the public, as long as President Bola Tinubu is satisfied with his work.
A Fabrication By Political Critics
The FCT Minister asserted that the rumour was fabricated by critics uncomfortable with the progress his administration is recording in Abuja. He described the tactic as a predictable form of propaganda that would eventually lose its potency as the public grows weary of repeated falsehoods.
Wike urged other public office holders to remain steadfast and not be swayed by such attempts to divert attention from service delivery. His message was clear: ignore the noise and concentrate on the mandate.
Wike Reacts to Rivers Lawmakers' Defection to APC
In related political developments, Wike also reacted to the defection of 17 lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The defection, led by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, occurred on the same day, Friday, December 5, 2025.
Wike acknowledged the move as unfortunate but constitutional. He reaffirmed his own loyalty to the PDP and vowed to continue working with the remaining lawmakers in the state assembly. This event highlights the ongoing internal dynamics within the PDP, where factions led by Wike and Kabiru Turaki have been issuing counter-disclaimers and expelling members in a battle for control of the party's leadership.
The denial of the arrest rumour and the commentary on the defections showcase a week where Wike faced both baseless allegations and genuine political challenges, maintaining his focus on his current role as FCT minister amidst the swirling political currents.
