The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has clarified that he is not a spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stressing that his monthly media briefings are solely aimed at updating the public on developments within the FCT.

Wike made the clarification on Friday during his monthly media chat in Abuja, reacting to claims by activist and politician Omoyele Sowore that the Presidency had allegedly barred him from holding the session.

The minister dismissed the allegation as false and baseless, maintaining that his briefings are part of his responsibility to ensure transparency and keep residents informed about government activities in the nation’s capital.

“Of course, I am not speaking for government. I am letting the world know what we are doing under Tinubu’s administration,” Wike said. “I am the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and I owe a duty to let the public know what is happening within the territory, what we are doing now, and our plans for the future.”

Wike also debunked reports that he was recently ill and flown abroad for medical treatment, describing such claims as fabrications. “Anybody can fall sick, but it is unfortunate that I never fell sick to be flown abroad. These are things people shouldn’t pay attention to,” he said.

The former Rivers State governor further criticised those spreading misinformation about him, particularly online platforms he accused of publishing “junk news” for monetary gain.

He wondered how anyone could believe that the President would stop him from holding media interactions designed to inform residents about the FCT’s progress. “How will a president ban you from letting the public know what the administration is doing, particularly as it pertains to the FCT?” he asked.

Wike urged Nigerians to disregard unfounded reports and focus instead on the ongoing development projects and reforms being implemented across the territory under his leadership.