The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has slammed activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, for calling President Bola Tinubu a “criminal” on social media.

In an August 25 tweet, Sowore criticized Tinubu for claiming during a visit to Brazil that corruption no longer exists under his administration. Sowore called the statement a blatant lie, tweeting:

“This criminal @officialpbat actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”

Following the tweet, Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) filed defamation charges against Sowore, accusing him of spreading false information in violation of the Cybercrimes and Terrorism Prevention laws.

The DSS also asked social media platforms Meta and X (formerly Twitter) to take down the post, labeling it a national security threat.

Sowore refused, calling the DSS actions an attempt to silence critics.

Speaking at the flag-off of the Arterial Road N1 project in Wuye, Abuja, on Thursday, Wike said Sowore was fortunate to have a President like Tinubu who believes in the rule of law.

“In this country, people go on social media and say the President is a criminal and nothing happens,” Wike said.

“No matter how people criticize leaders like Trump in the U.S, have you ever heard an American call their President a criminal publicly? Here, people say anything and walk free. You’re lucky to have a President who respects the rule of law. Others might not be so tolerant.”

Wike also addressed the ongoing strike by the FCT branch of the Association of Resident Doctors.

He stated that the 2025 budget, approved in July by the National Assembly, includes ₦25 billion for the health sector.

He acknowledged that the doctors are demanding payment of allowances and recruitment of more staff, but insisted that due process must be followed.

“People say we focus on roads and neglect health. That’s not true. We’ve allocated ₦25 billion to health in the 2025 capital budget,” Wike explained.

“They say allowances are unpaid and doctors haven’t been employed. I told the Civil Service Commission to go ahead, I’m not a doctor. Let them do their job. But everything must follow procedure.”

He said while demonstrations are permitted in a democracy, they won’t stop government activities.

“I told the SSS to let them protest. But no one can stop me from doing my job. Nobody will blackmail me.”

Wike also warned civil servants against using government platforms for political agendas.

“If you want to join a political party, go ahead. But don’t use the civil service to play politics. When the time comes, face me politically, not bureaucratically.”

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, says he has reconciled with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, putting to rest months of speculation about a prolonged rift between the two.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, Wike emphasized that the political tension in Rivers State has been resolved, and he is no longer in conflict with the governor.

He, however, downplayed talk about Fubara’s potential re-election, saying, “second term is not an issue yet.”

Wike confirmed that he remains in contact with Governor Fubara and stressed that their relationship has been mended.

“I spoke with the governor yesterday,” Wike said. “He told me he was returning this morning. I don’t know whether he has resumed or not, that’s not for me to say. I am not his CSO. But yes, we’ve been speaking. We have made peace.”

“I wouldn’t have spoken to Fubara if I hadn’t forgiven him. I don’t speak to a man I’ve not forgiven. I am at peace with Governor Fubara,” he added.

Wike accused some political actors of fueling the crisis by spreading misinformation and creating unnecessary panic.

“Some people just love crisis. They go on TV, shout and pontificate, misrepresent facts, and try to confuse the public. We’ve had enough. Enough is enough,” he said.

He praised President Bola Tinubu for stepping in to broker peace among stakeholders, including the State Assembly, federal lawmakers, and both himself and the governor.

“If we didn’t want peace, we could have done many things to ensure the emergency rule stayed. But we didn’t,” Wike noted.

Amid criticisms that the Rivers State local government elections were rushed and manipulated, Wike defended the process, saying it was neither unilateral nor illegal.

“RSIEC had already announced the election timeline. It was not a one-man affair,” he explained.

“Under emergency rule, Mr. President had the constitutional power to suspend parts of the law and make regulations for governance. Everything was done within the law.”

He also dismissed claims that the elections were conducted to favor his political interest.

“How did it go my way? The governor and I met, we discussed. In fact, I went to his house at 1 a.m. to speak with him. Who does that if they want to destroy peace?” he asked rhetorically.

When asked about backing Fubara for a second term, Wike refused to be drawn into the conversation.

“Let’s not bring up what can cause unnecessary crisis. We still have two years. Let us focus on helping the governor to deliver governance. Rivers people want development, not second term debates.”

Responding to allegations that he influences appointments in the Rivers State government, Wike flatly denied the claim.

“I have no candidate. Even if the governor comes to me for advice, I’ll only tell him not to destroy what we’ve built. Move the state forward.”

Addressing speculations over a power tussle in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers, Wike dismissed the claims of internal strife.

“There was never a disagreement. Those who want to cause crisis are the ones bringing up who is leader or not. Leadership is not by shouting,” he said.

“The governor handles administration. But political leadership is a different matter,” he concluded.

Thousands of Rivers State residents who had gathered around the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday left disappointed after Governor Siminalayi Fubara failed to appear, hours after the official end of emergency rule in the state.

The crowd, made up of supporters, party loyalists, and well-wishers, had converged early in the day in anticipation of the governor’s return to office, hoping to see him resume duty and address the public following six months of federal control.

But by 5:00 p.m., there was still no sign of Fubara, and the once-energetic atmosphere had faded into silence. Many in the crowd began to disperse, expressing uncertainty and concern over the governor’s absence.

No official statement has been issued by the state government to explain why Governor Fubara did not make a public appearance.

The expectation for Fubara’s appearance followed President Bola Tinubu’s announcement on Wednesday that the state of emergency, imposed in March 2025, had been lifted.

The president cited improved political stability and a renewed commitment to democratic governance by stakeholders across Rivers State.

“There is a new spirit of understanding, a robust readiness, and potent enthusiasm among all stakeholders in Rivers State for an immediate return to democratic governance,” Tinubu said in a televised statement.

The transitional military administrator, retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, formally handed over power to the elected leadership in a quiet ceremony late Wednesday.

In his farewell address, Ibas urged political actors in the state to embrace mutual respect, reconciliation, and dialogue going forward.

While Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu is also expected to resume alongside Fubara, neither has made any public statement since the handover.

Supporters who gathered at the Government House carried banners and chanted songs of solidarity, hoping for a brief appearance or speech from the governor.

As hours passed without any communication from the state leadership, many began to leave, visibly disheartened.

The Labour Party’s governorship candidate in the upcoming Anambra State election, Chief George Moghalu, has firmly denied reports suggesting that Peter Obi, the party’s presidential flagbearer in 2023, is supporting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, John Nwosu, ahead of the November 8 gubernatorial poll.

Rumors of Obi’s alleged preference for Nwosu had sparked concerns within the Obidient Movement, especially after the former governor of Anambra State was seen at ADC campaign rallies for the State Assembly and Anambra South Senatorial District by-elections.

During those rallies, Obi endorsed the ADC candidates, justifying his support by explaining that INEC had disqualified all Labour Party candidates from participating in the said by-elections.

He urged the electorate to vote for the ADC, noting that the alliance was part of a broader coalition plan for the 2027 general elections.

Obi, however, also clarified that he remains a committed member of the Labour Party and would support its candidate in the upcoming Anambra governorship election.

In response to the growing speculation, Chief George Moghalu described the reports as completely false and misleading.

“There is no confusion about where our leader, Mr Peter Obi stands in this election. He has said it many times that he is fully involved in the November 8 governorship election as a member of Labour Party and has also said he will work for me.

“Mr Peter Obi has publicly stated that he has confidence in my capability as a candidate, and that he is sure I will perform. He is working for me and there is no doubt about that.

“Also, the entire Obidient family worldwide has made a press release, asking all members to support me and those who cannot come to Anambra to support with their votes should pray for me.”

On a different note, Moghalu weighed in on the recent controversy involving Governor Chukwuma Soludo, his wife, APC candidate Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, and Senator Uche Ekwunife, who is Ukachukwu’s running mate. The altercation reportedly included personal insults and accusations that have raised eyebrows across the state.

Moghalu criticized the tone of the exchanges, saying it undermines the dignity expected in public service and political leadership.

“Some people have been wanting me to speak about the vituperations that are coming out of Anambra State. I believe there are many things to be talked about and we should not belittle ourselves, or involve in many things and cast aspersions on people. At our level, we should be civil.

“We should be able to see things that are not working well in government and speak about them, or we should rather market ourselves.

“You are dealing with people, so tell them what you can do to make the society a better place instead of discussing things that are very embarrassing.

“Talking about sex and educational qualifications brings down the bar of governance. If you think the government has not done enough, then you should say how you will do it.”