the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, shared that despite facing criticism and insults on social media, every Nigerian seemingly desires to take pictures with him.
This revelation was made during a luncheon organized by Wike in his country home in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on a recent Sunday.
The former Rivers governor expressed his bemusement at the paradoxical situation where, despite being perceived as the “most evil person” on social media, people clamor to snap pictures with him at public events. Wike recounted an incident at an event hosted by Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, in Lagos, where he became the unexpected center of attention.
“If you see social media, you would think this man is the most evil person,” Wike remarked. “To the point that the chief of staff said, ‘Are you the one doing the party? Am I not the one doing the party?’ I said you are the one who invited me here.”
Wike humorously pondered whether people were drawn to him or if they mistook him for a “devil or ghost.” He disclosed that even at the home of the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacheus Adedeji, a similar scenario unfolded.
“I said if I am collecting money, do you know how much I’ll make?” he quipped.
The minister also recounted instances of goodwill from Nigerians abroad, sharing an incident at Heathrow Airport in London where individuals volunteered to carry his luggage. Wike attributed this unexpected popularity to the impactful work he has done in people’s lives.
“You must make an impact on people’s lives. Whatever position you find yourself in, make an impact,” he emphasized.
In the face of online criticism, Nyesom Wike appears to have carved out an unexpected niche as a photo magnet, leaving many to question the stark contrast between his social media portrayal and the real-life eagerness of Nigerians to capture moments with him.
