Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has opened up about some of his experiences moving around Abuja without security, revealing that he once abandoned a restaurant after a large crowd gathered around him, leaving him feeling unsafe.
Speaking during an interview, Wike said he had visited a restaurant alone when more than 50 people surrounded him to greet him, making him uncomfortable. He stressed that such situations should not automatically be interpreted as a sign of popularity.
According to him, “There was a day I went to one of the restaurants to eat, and I didn’t go with security. Upon my arrival, I encountered over 50 people coming to greet me, and I didn’t know what to do. Of course, I didn’t feel safe; you can’t interpret that as people liking you.”
The minister said he eventually told the restaurant staff he would return another time because he no longer felt comfortable staying.
Wike added that when he stepped outside, he found some miscreants waiting for him to give them money. He also recalled visiting the city gate to relax before the crowd quickly grew after news of his presence spread.
“I told the restaurant workers that I would come back, but at that point, I was no longer comfortable. As soon as I stepped outside, I saw some miscreants waiting for me to give them money. I also went to the city gate to sit down and met a few people. Suddenly, as word of my presence spread, people started trooping in, and I had to take off,” he said.
His remarks have since sparked mixed reactions on social media.
Reacting, @mrbuchy2 wrote, “Nigerian’s love their oppressors …. We worship wealth today much …. Someone you ought to call out /ignore in public is who you’re eager to praise/interact with .. shame on all the people he is referring to ..”
@kulture_radar commented, “What did he expect? To be ignored? Or for people to NOT beg him?”
According to @MerryJames63344, “A working system will never compel people to come to any politicians for help. That’s why they with hard to keep the populace poor.”
@Sammyb0147 wrote, “One honest question i would love to asked is this, those running after people like this, what are they doing it for?”
@Iredia799 reacted, “Lol, if your mind clear, you nor suppose fear.”
Sharing another view, @pamilerin3000 said, “Fame comes with a price.”
@donfoco4 simply wrote, “Guilty.”
Also reacting, @Idaneko1 commented, “😂 baba use scope run 🏃♀️.”
@djpherrow questioned, “How does this information effect the economy?”
