Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has included his two sons as Nigeria’s delegates to attend the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum (APCS) is a global platform that promotes collaboration among cities, governments, and businesses seeking trade and investment opportunities across the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
Wike, who departed Abuja on Sunday, arrived in Dubai at about 4 a.m. on Monday.
He was received at the airport by Nigeria’s Consul General in Dubai, Ambassador Zayyanu Ibrahim, alongside officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) who had arrived earlier for the event.
However, photos and footage showing his sons wearing official lanyards as delegates sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the minister of turning government business into a “family affair.”
Wike’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, fuelled the controversy further on Tuesday evening when he lashed out at critics questioning the propriety of the minister’s decision.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Olayinka wrote, “When e reach your turn, carry your enemies travel,” a statement many Nigerians interpreted as mockery of legitimate calls for accountability in public office.
When e reach your turn, carry your enemies travel.
Hissssssssssssh pic.twitter.com/DGno8Ldxrw
— Lere Olayinka – Aresa 1 (@OlayinkaLere) October 28, 2025
Nigerians drag Wike, others over alleged misuse of public funds
Social media erupted soon after, with commentators and ordinary citizens condemning the apparent misuse of public funds.
An X user @iOccupyNigeria fumed: “Wike no be governor, he no be mayor, yet he go Mayors’ Conference for Dubai, carry him children as delegates. Who born that kind impunity?”
Another post read: “Na public money dem use fly go — hotel, transport, feeding — all funded, inside country wey people dey chop once a day. This no be trip again, na state-sponsored family vacation.”
Others joined in, describing the act as a symbol of Nigeria’s elite privilege and decaying accountability.
User @MMBaloo mocked a Wike supporter, saying, “The difference is you didn’t go with your own kids — maybe you’d be their errand boy.”
While @megaflexing lamented, “This mindset keeps Africa backward. Governance should be about competence, not family ties.”
Some drew parallels with President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, who has also been seen at official events, accusing Wike of “copying the dynasty playbook.”
A Facebook user summed up the mood: “They’re positioning their sons to rule over us tomorrow, while we cheer and suffer.”
Many Nigerians said such moves deny career civil servants the chance to gain valuable international exposure, further eroding trust in public institutions.
The backlash began after Isaac Fayose, brother of former Ekiti Governor Ayodele Fayose, posted:
“What is Wike’s son doing in a meeting of the directors of the Ministry of Aviation and the FCT?”
The post went viral, amplifying anger over what many now call “family tourism disguised as governance.”
Do you think it’s right for public officials to include their family members as official delegates on a government-funded trip? Let’s know your views in the comment section.
