By Ademola Adekusibe
Abuja | September 18, 2025
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has lashed out at those he described as habitual critics of President Bola Tinubu, saying Nigerians are fortunate to have a leader who tolerates abuse without clamping down on free speech.
Wike spoke on Wednesday at the flag-off of the Arterial Road N1 project linking Wuye District to Ring Road II in Abuja. He accused some Nigerians of abusing the President “with impunity” on social media, branding him a criminal, yet facing no consequences.
“This is a country where somebody on social media will say Mr President is a criminal; nothing will happen. You are lucky you have a President that believes in the rule of law. Continue to be lucky. There are those you will meet that you won’t be lucky again,” Wike said.
The former Rivers State governor acknowledged that protest is a legitimate part of democracy but warned that demonstrations must not be weaponised to blackmail government.
On healthcare, Wike disclosed that N25 billion has been earmarked in the 2025 budget for capital projects in the FCT health sector. He also assured resident doctors in Abuja that their unpaid allowances would be addressed through due process.
He maintained that Nigerians should appreciate the “rare privilege” of having a President who upholds democratic values, stressing that authoritarian leaders elsewhere in Africa would not condone such levels of criticism.
