The Presidency has reportedly barred the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from holding his monthly media briefings, citing growing concerns over his conduct and its potential to reignite political tensions in Rivers State.
According to sources quoted by Veritas News, the decision was taken after the Presidency reviewed Wike’s recent public engagements, which were described as “increasingly combative, threatening, and politically provocative.”
A senior source familiar with the development said Wike’s media sessions had “become platforms for harassment, intimidation of opponents, and inflammatory remarks capable of destabilising the fragile peace in Rivers State.”
“One of the reasons for the ban is that relative calm is returning to Rivers after Wike unsuccessfully lobbied President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the state when Governor Sim Fubara denied him access to the state treasury,” the source revealed.
Another insider added that the Presidency became particularly concerned after Wike verbally attacked respected Rivers elders who attempted to mediate the long-standing political feud between him and Governor Fubara.
“The president’s camp is worried that Wike’s outbursts against these elders could plunge the state back into another round of chaos,” a senior presidential aide reportedly said.
However, the source also disclosed that Wike has been lobbying through the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to reverse the directive and reinstate his monthly media chats.
The rift between Wike and Fubara escalated earlier in 2025, culminating in President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State — a move that was later endorsed by the National Assembly. Although both men eventually agreed to a truce brokered by the President, tensions between their camps remain high.
Beyond the political crisis, the Presidency’s decision was also influenced by mounting corruption allegations against the FCT Minister. Reports allege that Wike secretly purchased three luxury lakeside homes in Winter Springs, Florida, through cash transactions, later transferring ownership to his children via quitclaim deeds.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has since petitioned Florida authorities to seize the properties, accusing Wike of money laundering and non-disclosure of assets to Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau.
Domestically, Wike is also facing criticism over alleged land grabbing in Abuja and arbitrary revocation of land allocations — actions that have drawn backlash from residents and property developers.
“The optics are bad for the government. A minister who cannot be controlled or restrained from divisive public statements poses a serious problem for the administration,” one official told Veritas News.
Presidential aides confirmed that Wike would still be allowed to appear in carefully arranged press briefings when necessary, but his regular monthly sessions have been suspended indefinitely.
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