A social media storm has erupted across Nigeria as citizens call for the dismissal of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
The campaign, trending under the hashtag #WikeMustGo, gained momentum shortly after the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.
Many Nigerians believe that Wike, who is facing multiple corruption and land-grabbing allegations, should also step down in the spirit of accountability and integrity.
Reports circulating online allege that the former Rivers State governor and his wife, Eberechi Suzzette, acquired three luxury lakeside homes in Winter Springs, Florida, worth over $6 million between 2021 and 2023. The properties were said to have been bought in cash and transferred to their children, sparking public outrage and accusations of money laundering.
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Beyond the U.S. assets, Wike has also been accused of allocating over 2,000 hectares of prime Abuja land—valued at about $3.6 billion—to a company allegedly linked to his son, Joaquin.
Wike, however, has dismissed the allegations as “baseless and politically motivated,” insisting that his record in public service remains clean. His media team has also described the reports as deliberate attempts to tarnish his image.
The renewed call for his sack followed Nnaji’s decision to step down amid allegations of certificate forgery. The development triggered discussions about ethics in public office, with many social media users praising Nnaji’s move as a moral example.
One user on X (formerly Twitter), @Chiads, wrote, “Nnaji has set a moral precedent; public office is not a fortress. After his Florida mansions, Wike should go too. #WikeMustGo.”
Another user, @Amaka, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Uche Nnaji’s resignation has proven that no office is more than public integrity. Wike should join him.”
Others linked the campaign to Wike’s political battles in Rivers State, accusing him of undermining Governor Sim Fubara and using his influence to destabilize the state government.
“Wike’s actions during his feud with Fubara — how he bullied him and tried to act as godfather — were undemocratic. He should have been sacked long ago,” wrote another user, @Oyasto.
Nnaji, who resigned earlier this week, said his decision followed “deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians.” President Tinubu has since accepted his resignation and wished him well in future endeavours.
Meanwhile, people argue that if the administration could accept Nnaji’s resignation on moral grounds, Wike should not remain in office under the weight of multiple allegations.
Recall that in August 2024, Wike faced backlash after being accused of manipulating land allocations in Abuja for personal gain. The minister denied the claims, calling them “blackmail by political detractors.”
