FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on Thursday condemned activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, saying he was “lucky” to publicly call President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a “criminal” and remain free. 

Speaking at the flag-off of the Arterial Road N1 construction in Wuye, Wike commended Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, noting that under a different administration, Sowore might not have been so fortunate.

The minister was reacting to a tweet by Sowore on August 25, in which the activist labeled Tinubu a “criminal,” citing a video from the President’s visit to Brazil where Tinubu claimed corruption no longer exists under his leadership. Sowore wrote: “This criminal @officialpbat actually went to Brazil to state that there is no more corruption under his regime in Nigeria. What audacity to lie shamelessly!”

Wike said:
“This is a country where someone can go on social media and call the President a criminal, and nothing will happen. You are lucky to have a President who upholds the rule of law. Keep being lucky. There are others you will meet where luck won’t favor you.”

He also compared Nigeria with other nations, adding:
“No matter how people criticize Trump, have you ever seen an American call their President a criminal on social media or publicly? Here, anyone can wake up and insult the President—and it is tolerated. You are fortunate to have a President who respects the rule of law.”