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The social media space has recently been inundated with reports that Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is critically ill. Some media outlets claim he was flown to France for urgent medical attention.
In response, many Nigerians have expressed joy at the news, with some even going as far as openly wishing for his death.
To the average Nigerian on social media, Nyesom Wike symbolizes a significant part of the failed leadership and economic hardship currently afflicting the country. His close political alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who remains deeply unpopular among Nigerian youths, only adds fuel to the fire.
While I firmly agree that Minister Wike is part of Nigeria’s leadership failures, I cannot support or condone the idea of wishing ill health or death upon anyone.
I will never wish anyone dead. Life is a gift from God, and only He has the authority to take it when He wills. Good health is a rare and precious privilege, one we should never take for granted. No one has full control over their well being; sickness and death are sobering realities that can visit anyone at any time, regardless of status or caution.
Back in 2015, when Muhammadu Buhari assumed the presidency, many Nigerians similarly wished for his death. I stood against that mindset.
Today, a similar pattern is unfolding with President Tinubu. Many hope that his death would signal the end of Nigeria’s woes. Again, I disagree. Despite my belief that he is arguably the worst president in Nigeria’s recent history, I still wish him good health and long life.
That said, Minister Nyesom Wike should reflect deeply on his life, choices, and the desperation that seems to surround his continued grip on political power, often through backdoor influence, especially in judicial affairs.
If a public servant is so deeply disliked that people rejoice at news of his illness, it should serve as a wakeup call. It means something is profoundly wrong. Such sentiments from the public demand introspection, humility, and perhaps repentance.
While I strongly condemn the idea of wishing death upon anyone, I also understand the frustration, pain, and bitter disappointment Nigerians feel. It is valid. It is real. Even our leaders would not want their own families to endure the level of suffering that ordinary Nigerians are currently experiencing.
Our leaders must begin to act with conscience. They must change their ways and stop the systemic cruelty inflicted on the people, or else, they should be ready for the storm of revolution that is slowly but surely gathering on the horizon.
Sunny Ibeh Jnr
Journalist, Media and Communication Executive
Editor.meridianspy@gmail.com
