A storm of public outrage is sweeping across Nigeria’s social media space as citizens rally under the powerful hashtag #WikeMustGo, demanding the immediate removal of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.
The campaign, which erupted shortly after the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, over a certificate forgery scandal, has ignited fierce debate on ethics, accountability, and selective justice in governance.
Wike’s Florida Mansion and Abuja Land-Grab Scandals Resurface
As Nnaji bows out in disgrace, allegations of corruption and abuse of office trailing Wike have resurfaced with renewed intensity.
Reports allege that Wike and his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette, purchased three lakeside luxury homes in Winter Springs, Florida, valued at over $6 million between July 2021 and September 2023. The properties, reportedly paid for in cash and transferred to their children — Jordan, Joaquin, and Jazmyne, have sparked widespread concerns over possible money laundering violations.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has petitioned the Attorney General of Florida, urging the U.S. government to investigate the purchases, seize the assets, and impose visa bans on the Wike family.
Back home, documents circulating online accuse the FCT Minister of illegally allocating over 2,000 hectares of prime Abuja land to a company allegedly linked to his son — Joaq Farms and Estates Ltd. The plots, reportedly located across Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, Bwari, and Gaduwa, are valued at an estimated $3.6 billion.
Civil society groups allege that Wike reallocated lands originally meant for public projects to companies tied to his family and close associates, flouting due process and FCTA regulations.
Despite the mounting evidence, critics say President Tinubu has turned a blind eye, shielding Wike for political reasons ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike, however, has denied all allegations, while his media aide dismissed the reports as “politically motivated lies.”
#WikeMustGo Movement Gains Momentum
The resignation of Uche Nnaji, following the University of Nigeria, Nsukka’s (UNN) public disclaimer of his academic certificate, has set what many Nigerians describe as a “moral precedent” in a political landscape riddled with impunity.
“Nnaji has done what most Nigerian politicians would never do — resign in the face of scandal. If he can go, Wike must go too,” wrote an X user, @Chiads.
Another commentator, @Amaka, hailed Nnaji’s decision as “a rare act of integrity in Nigeria’s political history,” adding, “Public office is not a fortress for corrupt elites. After his Florida mansion scandal, Wike should follow suit. #WikeMustGo.”
For Engineer Christian, the development is nothing short of a political miracle:
> “I’m shocked that a Nigerian politician could actually resign. If others, especially people like Wike, can emulate this, our political system would be better off.”
Similarly, @Wheez described the #WikeMustGo campaign as a wake-up call:
> “Public trust is sacred. Ministers like Wike must see Nnaji’s decision as a reminder that integrity should come before power.”
Another user, @Skytee, noted:
> “Nnaji’s resignation shows that governance is about stewardship, not self-interest. Wike’s continued stay in office is an insult to the values of accountability.”
And for @Oyasto, the outrage extends beyond corruption to Wike’s bruising political battles in Rivers State, saying:
> “His feud with Governor Fubara was an abuse of power. He used his position to bully the man he helped install. That alone should have cost him his job. It’s not too late — #WikeMustGo.”
Uche Nnaji’s resignation came after UNN formally disowned the Bachelor’s degree certificate he presented, stating that he never graduated from the institution.
The university, in a letter signed by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Simon U. Ortuanya, confirmed that although Nnaji was admitted in 1981, there was no record of him completing his studies or being issued any degree certificate.
In a stunning admission contained in court filings before Justice Hauwa Yilwa of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Nnaji himself acknowledged that the university never issued him a certificate, effectively validating the forgery allegations.
His resignation letter, addressed to President Tinubu, read in part:
> “After deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians, I have today tendered my resignation as Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.”
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga later confirmed Tinubu’s acceptance of the resignation, saying the President wished Nnaji success in his future endeavours.
As the #WikeMustGo movement surges across Nigeria’s digital landscape, many citizens are questioning the Tinubu administration’s commitment to transparency and equal accountability.
Analysts argue that while Nnaji’s exit demonstrates a moral awakening, the government’s silence on Wike’s controversies exposes double standards.
“Tinubu can’t claim to be fighting corruption if he keeps shielding Wike,” said political analyst Dr. Hassan Adefarati. “Selective justice erodes credibility faster than corruption itself.”
With the hashtag #WikeMustGo trending nationwide and gathering thousands of posts daily, Nigerians appear united in one message:
“Integrity must not be optional — if Nnaji can resign, Wike must go.”
PIONEER NEWS 