(DDM) – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, will travel to the United Kingdom for medical attention.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the minister has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure and is currently under medical management.
Medical sources said doctors recommended a bypass surgery, but Wike rejected the option over concerns of being absent from office for too long.
The former Rivers State governor reportedly fears that extended absence could create a political vacuum and possibly lead to replacement.
Sources confirmed that his health challenges have attracted public attention, raising questions about his capacity to continue his role.
In 2021, while still governor, Wike vowed never to seek medical treatment abroad, stressing that Nigeria had adequate facilities for such needs.
He made that declaration during a courtesy visit by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria’s accreditation team in Port Harcourt.
At that time, he insisted that government officials should lead by example and use domestic hospitals rather than travel overseas for care.
He said the Rivers State Government House hospital was equipped to provide tests and treatment without requiring foreign facilities.
Wike questioned why leaders continued to fund overseas medical trips when resources could build functional hospitals locally.
He argued that the tools and environment provided for medical workers determined whether Nigerians would trust their own healthcare system.
The then governor highlighted the ongoing construction of a cancer and cardiovascular disease centre in Port Harcourt as proof of commitment.
He declared that Nigerian doctors could compete globally if given incentives, modern facilities, and continuous training opportunities.
In his words then, “there is no need for us to travel overseas if we provide an enabling environment for our people.”
Observers now point to the sharp contrast between that 2021 position and his present decision to seek treatment abroad.
Earlier this year, reports circulated that Wike had collapsed and was flown overseas, but he dismissed the claims as false.
During a project inspection in Abuja, he denied ever collapsing or being flown abroad, describing the rumours as politically motivated.
He told reporters that detractors fabricated stories to distract the public from Nigeria’s real issues.
The minister insisted he was healthy at the time and vowed to sign the condolences of those waiting for his downfall.
His latest health development, however, is fueling renewed debates over political hypocrisy and the persistent neglect of Nigeria’s health sector.
Critics argue that his planned UK trip proves the lack of confidence in the same medical system he once defended.
Supporters, however, maintain that Wike remains capable of discharging his duties while seeking better medical solutions abroad.
The case adds to a long list of Nigerian political leaders who prefer foreign hospitals for personal healthcare needs.
It also reignites discussions about whether successive governments have failed to invest adequately in Nigeria’s medical infrastructure.
For many citizens, the minister’s reversal symbolizes a wider failure of leadership promises regarding the health sector.
His journey abroad is expected to draw further scrutiny as political stakeholders watch both his health and his hold on office.
Post Views: 23
