By Oke Umurhohwo
October 29, 2025
Dear Minister Nyesom Wike,
As a concerned Nigerian committed to integrity and progress in governance, I write this open letter not in malice but in the sincere hope of restoring dignity to public service.
Your tenure as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has undoubtedly delivered visible infrastructure projects and rekindled discussions about Abuja’s renewal. For these achievements, credit is due. However, these gains are being overshadowed by growing public concern over what many perceive as a troubling pattern of nepotism and the personalization of public office.
Recent reports and public observations suggest repeated instances where your sons, Jordan and Joaquin have appeared in official or quasi-official settings without clear justification or formal appointments.
For example, during the aviation infrastructure meeting of October 23, 2025, one of your sons was reportedly present among senior ministry officials, an act that raised questions about propriety and transparency. Similarly, their attendance at the Asia Pacific Cities Summit in Dubai (October 27–29, 2025), allegedly as part of the Nigerian delegation has been widely criticized by citizens who view it as an inappropriate use of public privilege.
Earlier incidents including widely circulated reports in July 2025 concerning allocations of prime Maitama land to family members, and images from an August political gathering in Nasarawa where both sons appeared in strategic discussions have only deepened public skepticism.
Many Nigerians are now questioning the thin line between family and the use of state resources for personal optics.
Whether or not each of these instances was officially sanctioned, the optics are undeniably troubling. In a democracy struggling for ethical reform, perception matters almost as much as proof.
Nigeria’s young professionals, many of them jobless, overqualified, and underutilized watch these developments with frustration. At a time when youth unemployment exceeds 40%, seeing the children of public officials occupy spaces that should be reserved for merit-based delegates is profoundly demoralizing.
The FCT Ministry, like all arms of government, must model inclusivity and meritocracy, not family privilege. Governance is not inheritance. The idea that relatives of public officials can participate in sensitive meetings or international events without clear mandates undermines public trust and widens the gap between citizens and leadership.
Leadership comes with scrutiny. When public funds and offices are involved, citizens have the right to ask questions and leaders have a duty to answer them. The perception that your sons may have benefitted from public sponsorship, travel allowances, or privileged access to decision-making spaces cannot be ignored or dismissed as “blackmail.”
It is therefore essential that your office clarifies whether Jordan and Joaquin attended these events in any official capacity. If public resources were used to facilitate their participation or travel, what contributions, if any, they made to FCT governance or representation.
Transparency is not a favour to the people; it is an obligation of every public office holder.
Minister Wike, the time for ambiguity has passed. As a public servant of national stature, your leadership must set a higher standard. I urge you to immediately issue a clear statement addressing the alleged involvement of family members in official activities, including the funding sources for such participation.
Public office is not a family inheritance. It is a sacred trust between leaders and the people. True greatness in leadership is not measured by how much power one wields, but by how responsibly one uses it.
Nigeria’s democracy is young and fragile, it cannot endure if leaders treat state institutions as private estates. You have the opportunity, Minister, to prove that power can coexist with principle, and that governance can still inspire hope rather than resentment.
Abuja and indeed Nigeria deserves nothing less.
Oke Umurhohwo
Concerned Citizen of Nigeria