The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, dismissed social media claims that he collapsed last week at an event.
Wike, a former Governor of Rivers State, gave the dismissal after inspecting four ongoing projects in the FCT, including the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Wike described the social media rumours as the handiwork of individuals attempting to score cheap political points.
The minister added that the rumours were cooked up to divert attention from the revelation made by the immediate past Rivers Head of Service, George Nwaeke, regarding the explosion at the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He said, “I don’t want to give credence to people who are only interested in carrying rumour. First of all, I’m a human being; it’s not a ghost that will collapse; it’s a human being that will collapse if there is any issue with their health. Unfortunately, I did not collapse.
“Everybody will die one day; nobody will remain forever, but it is only God that can tell you when you will die, not human beings.
“Some of them who said, I will die, I can assure you that I will write their condolence letter.”
The minister also reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on President Bola Tinubu’s mandate.
PUNCH Online understands that the rumours, which spread widely on X, alleged that Wike collapsed at an event in Abuja last Friday and was rushed out of the country for treatment.
However, the minister made a public appearance two days later when he joined other dignitaries on a Sallah homage to President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.
During the visit, Wike appeared in high spirits, further dispelling concerns about his health.
His media aide, Lere Olayinka, had earlier dismissed the claims as false, insisting there was no truth to the reports.