By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
No Law in Nigeria Stops Me from Travelling with My Sons, Says Wike
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended his decision to travel with his sons on official trips, insisting that no law in Nigeria forbids him from doing so.
Wike made the remark while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, reacting to viral photos showing his sons accompanying him on local and foreign engagements.
He maintained that his children, who are all master’s degree holders, have a right to be exposed to governance and public service at close range.
“What law says my sons shouldn’t travel with me? Let anyone show where the FCT paid even ₦1 for their trip,” Wike said. “They didn’t sign any official documents. It doesn’t have to be a personal trip. I can travel with anybody from the FCT, I can travel with anybody in Nigeria — I have that right.”
The former Rivers State governor said taking his sons along was a way to help them learn more about Nigeria’s system of governance.
“Oh, come on, they have to know how Nigeria works. They have to learn about government,” he added.
Dismissing suggestions that he was grooming his sons for politics, Wike revealed that each had chosen different career paths.
“My first son is a lawyer, but he said he wants to be a farmer. I agreed. 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 wants to go into real estate,” he explained.
Wike expressed pride in his sons, saying they have been a source of comfort rather than controversy.
“I’m so happy I have children who give me peace and not problems. Assuming they were somewhere smoking or misbehaving, people would still talk. I won’t travel with my enemy’s children,” he said.
The minister has been seen with his sons at several official events, including the commissioning of projects in Abuja.
Their recent appearance with him at a summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, sparked criticism from Nigerians who questioned their presence on an official delegation
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