“Am I not human?” – Wike clears air on health following collapsing rumours

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed rumours suggesting he traveled abroad for medical treatment due to ill health.

Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, clarified on Friday during the platinum jubilee celebration of Honourable Ken Chikere in Port Harcourt that his recent overseas trip was to attend his son’s graduation, not for any medical reasons.

Speaking to the press, Wike vehemently rejected viral claims that he had collapsed, emphasizing that he is in good health. “I am here, and I am healthy very, very well,” he stated. “Someone started spreading that I had collapsed. I was never sick. And even if I were, am I not a human being?”

The minister also addressed those wishing ill upon others, remarking, “Those who wish others to fall will be the ones to fall. And when you fall, it will be final.”

In addition to addressing health rumours, Wike took aim at Area Council chairmen for their failure to implement the minimum wage for council workers. He responded to a mass protest organized by primary school teachers, area council workers, and health workers who voiced their frustrations over the non-payment of wages and entitlements.

During an inspection of key road projects in Abuja on Thursday, Wike expressed disappointment over the situation, particularly the non-payment of primary school teachers, who play a crucial role in the education of children. He confirmed that despite his approval of the wage implementation, the funds had not been disbursed.

Wike urged the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) to exercise patience, assuring them that an urgent meeting has been scheduled with the chairmen to resolve the matter.