Presidency bans Wike’s monthly media briefings over embarrassing outbursts by FCT minister
The presidency has barred the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from holding his monthly media briefings, citing concerns over his conduct and potential destabilisation of Rivers State, according to inside sources.
Sources close to the presidency told Leaders.ng that the decision was taken because Wike’s briefings have become notorious for harassment, threats against political opponents, and inflammatory rhetoric.“One of the reasons for the ban is that in Rivers State, relative calm is returning after Wike successfully lobbied President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency when he was denied access to Rivers’ treasury by Governor Sim Fubara,” a source revealed.
Another source noted that Wike’s repeated attacks on Rivers elders who tried to mediate between him and Fubara stirred concern that he might reignite chaos.“The president’s camp is worried that Wike’s outbursts, especially towards those elders, could plunge the state into another political meltdown,” a senior aide in the presidency revealed.
He, however, revealed that Wike is adamant and is already putting pressure on the president’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, to call off the ban.The crisis between Wike and Fubara escalated publicly in early 2025, culminating in Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State, a move supported by the National Assembly.
While both Wike and Fubara later agreed to a truce brokered by President Tinubu, tensions remain high.
The presidency’s decision also draws from corruption allegations against Wike, including media reports that he secretly purchased three lakeside homes in Winter Springs, Florida, using large cash transactions and later transferred ownership to his children via quitclaim deeds.
In addition, activist Omoyele Sowore has petitioned Florida authorities to seize those properties, accusing Wike of money laundering and failure to declare assets to Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Bureau.
Domestically, Wike has been accused of land grabbing in Abuja and arbitrary revocations of land allocations.
“The optics are perilous for our government. A minister who cannot be controlled is painful for the presidency,” one of the officials said.
Officials said Wike will still appear before vetted media interactions when necessary, but the blanket monthly sessions are suspended until further notice.
