J-Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed social media reports claiming he recently suffered a heart attack and was flown to London for treatment.
Speaking on Thursday at the flag-off of the Arterial Road from Wuye District to Ring Road II in Abuja, Woke described the claims as false, politically motivated, and the handiwork of those who wished him ill.
“Before I knew it, I started hearing that I had a heart attack. God will help them to have their own heart attack. It is my prayer that very soon I will be the one signing their condolences,” Wike said.
The minister explained that his trip abroad was only for rest, noting that it was the first time since assuming office that he had travelled without work files. “One must first be alive to meet the demands of others,” he added.
Wike, in a separate reaction shared on X by his aide, Lere Olayinka, mocked those spreading the speculation, saying: “I hear they have a heart attack. God will continue to help them have heart attacks.”
He faulted the 6 trend of using falsehoods for political gains, lamenting: “Somebody sits somewhere and writes stories about hospitals I have never been to, and yet people are busy spreading them. This country plays politics with everything.”
Wike also used the occasion to caution those who frequently insult President Bola Tinubu on social media, stressing that Nigerians were “lucky” to have a leader who tolerates dissent.
“This is a country where somebody on social media will say Mr President is a criminal; nothing will happen. You are lucky you have a President who believes in the rule of law. Continue to be lucky. There are those you will meet that you won’t be lucky again,” he warned.
Reacting to threats of protests by resident doctors over unpaid allowances and health sector funding, Wike said demonstrations were part of democracy but insisted no group could blackmail his administration.
“The SSS called me that people said they will demonstrate, that we are paying attention to roads and not health. Demonstration is allowed everywhere, but nobody will blackmail me or stop me from doing what I think is right,” he said.
He revealed that ₦25 billion had been earmarked for capital projects in the health sector under the 2025 budget, while issues of allowances and employment would be addressed through due process.
Wike emphasised that the road project being flagged off was to expand Abuja’s economy and improve residents’ welfare, not for his personal benefit.
“No one can stop me from holding this occasion today, not one,” he declared.,” he declared.
