The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a firm rebuttal against allegations that he was prevented from accessing the Aso Rock Presidential Villa due to intoxication.
Addressing the rumors, Wike categorically dismissed the claims as false and baseless, emphasizing his commitment to professional conduct in his official capacities.
The allegations originated from an independent journalist, Jackson Ude, who alleged that Wike appeared intoxicated while receiving Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, during the latter's visit to Nigeria.
The accusations implied that Wike's supposed condition was deemed inappropriate for the high-profile diplomatic engagement, raising concerns about his ability to represent the nation effectively. However, Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, swiftly debunked the reports, clarifying that the Minister’s actions during the visit were carried out under the directives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Olayinka, the FCT Minister fulfilled his duties by receiving the Indian Prime Minister, escorting him to his hotel, and leading him to the Presidential Villa the following morning, as instructed. Olayinka described the allegations as a continuation of baseless accusations by the journalist, citing past false claims made by Jackson Ude, including unsubstantiated stories about other prominent Nigerians.
“The Minister fulfilled all responsibilities assigned to him, ensuring the successful hosting of the Indian Prime Minister,” Olayinka stated. “Photographic evidence shows Wike performing his duties professionally during the reception and subsequent engagements, further discrediting the claims.”
Olayinka further lambasted Ude’s history of spreading misinformation, referencing prior instances where Ude alleged that the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, had fled Nigeria — a claim proven false when Bello appeared at the EFCC office shortly after.
He added, “Jackson Ude has a track record of peddling unfounded allegations against high-profile figures. The latest falsehood about the FCT Minister is merely a continuation of this trend. We will no longer dignify such lies with responses.”
During the Indian Prime Minister’s visit, Shri Narendra Modi received Nigeria’s second-highest honor, the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON), from President Tinubu. The visit also featured bilateral discussions aimed at strengthening Nigeria-India relations, hosted at the Presidential Villa.
