Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has justified taking his two sons, Jordan and Joaquin, along on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates.
Photos of the minister with his sons at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayor’s Forum in Dubai had triggered public criticism, as some Nigerians accused him of spending public funds on a family trip.
Others argued that his children had no business being part of an official delegation.
Reacting to the backlash during an interview, Wike said there was no wrongdoing in his action, stressing that he had the right to decide who accompanied him.
“What law says that my sons shouldn’t travel?” he asked. “Did they sign any official document? They just came along to observe and learn.”
He insisted that the Federal Capital Territory Administration did not fund his sons’ travel, saying their expenses were privately handled.
“If anyone has proof that government money was used, they should present it,” he added.
The minister explained that the trip was a learning opportunity for his children and had nothing to do with politics.
According to him, one of his sons studied law but now focuses on farming, while the other, who holds a master’s degree in Economics, is pursuing a career in real estate.
Wike noted that his sons had chosen their own careers and were not being prepared for political roles, adding that the public criticism was unnecessary.
