The Presidency has reportedly stopped the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, from holding his monthly press briefings, following growing concerns over his recent public conduct and the potential impact of his remarks on the fragile peace in Rivers State.
The decision was reportedly taken after top government officials expressed unease that Wike’s media sessions had become increasingly confrontational and politically charged, often featuring threats and inflammatory statements directed at perceived opponents.
One presidency source said the move was also influenced by fears that Wike’s continued verbal attacks on political figures from Rivers State could reignite the tensions that have only recently begun to ease.
“One of the reasons for the ban is that in Rivers State, relative calm is returning after Wike successfully lobbied President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency when he was denied access to Rivers’ treasury by Governor Sim Fubara,” Leaders.ng quoted the source.
Another senior aide was quoted as saying that Wike’s repeated outbursts, particularly against Rivers elders who had attempted to mediate the dispute between him and Governor Fubara, had raised concerns within the president’s camp about the risk of renewed unrest in the state.
“The president’s team is worried that Wike’s outbursts, especially toward those elders, could plunge the state into another political crisis,” the aide said.
Despite the alleged directive, sources said the minister is resisting the decision and has reportedly reached out to the president’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, urging him to intervene and have the ban lifted.
The feud between Wike and Governor Fubara became a major political flashpoint earlier in 2025, culminating in President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State—a move later endorsed by the National Assembly.
The reported suspension of Wike’s briefings also comes amid lingering allegations of corruption and misconduct. Media reports have linked the minister to the secret purchase of three lakeside properties in Winter Springs, Florida, allegedly through large cash transactions. The properties were said to have later been transferred to his children via quitclaim deeds.
“The optics are perilous for our government. A minister who cannot be controlled is painful for the presidency,” one official was quoted as saying.
Officials, however, clarified that Wike will still be allowed to appear before vetted media platforms when necessary, but his regular monthly briefings have been suspended indefinitely.
