A storm of outrage is sweeping across Nigerian social media under the hashtag #WikeMustGo, as citizens demand the removal of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, amid mounting corruption allegations and renewed scrutiny of his personal assets.
The uproar follows reports that Wike and his wife, Eberechi Suzzette Wike, allegedly purchased three luxury lakeside homes in Winter Springs, Florida, valued at over $6 million, between July 2021 and September 2023.
The properties were reportedly paid for in cash and transferred to their children — Jordan, Joaquin, and Jazmyne — raising serious concerns about possible money laundering.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has reportedly petitioned the Florida Attorney General, urging an investigation and possible asset seizure under U.S. anti-money laundering laws.
In a parallel controversy, Wike is accused of allocating over 2,000 hectares (about 40,000 plots) of prime Abuja land to his son, Joaquin, through a shell company, Joaq Farms and Estates Ltd. The land allocations, said to span Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, Bwari, and Gaduwa, have an estimated value exceeding $3.6 billion.
Documents circulating online allege that the minister bypassed key regulatory processes, reallocating land originally designated for public infrastructure to private firms tied to his family.
Wike and his aides have denied all allegations, calling them “baseless and politically motivated.”
#WikeMustGo Campaign Gains Steam
The online movement gained momentum following the resignation of Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Innovation, and Technology, who stepped down amid a certificate forgery scandal.
Nnaji’s resignation has since been hailed as an act of integrity, sparking comparisons with Wike’s ongoing controversies.
One X (formerly Twitter) user, Chiads, wrote:
“Nnaji has set a moral precedent; public office is not a fortress. After his Florida mansions, Wike should go too. #WikeMustGo.”
Another commentator, Amaka, echoed:
“Nnaji’s resignation has proven that no office is more than public integrity. Resignation in the face of controversy is not weakness. #WikeMustGo.”
User Engineer Christian added:
“I’m still surprised that a Nigerian politician could resign. If others emulate this, our politics might improve. #WikeMustGo.”
For Wheez, the movement is about accountability:
“Ministers like Wike must see Nnaji’s decision as a wake-up call. Public trust is sacred and must be protected. #WikeMustGo.”
Political and Ethical Repercussions
Civil society groups and opposition figures have accused President Bola Tinubu of shielding Wike for political reasons, particularly in view of the 2027 general elections.
Critics point to Wike’s controversial feud with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara as evidence of his alleged abuse of power.
An X user, Oyasto, summed it up:
“Wike’s bullying of Fubara was an infringement on democracy. He should have been removed long ago. #WikeMustGo.”
As the campaign trends across platforms, pressure is mounting on the Tinubu administration to take a stance on the allegations and the growing calls for accountability in public office.
