The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly denied reports suggesting he was ill, describing himself as "very well" during a recent interview with BBC Pidgin scheduled for release on Saturday evening.

In the interview, Wike challenged the narrative about his health status, stating: "As I'm talking to you, do I look like somebody that is sick? Looking at me, will you think I'm above 30 years? I'm very well."

The health concerns emerged in April when reports alleged that Wike had collapsed during a function at the Presidential Villa in Abuja and was subsequently rushed abroad for urgent medical attention. These claims were quickly countered when the minister made a public appearance two days later during a Sallah homage to President Bola Tinubu, where observers noted he appeared in high spirits.

Wike's media aide, Lere Olayinka, had previously dismissed the reports as false. The FCT Minister has now personally addressed these rumors, attributing them to naysayers.

During the same interview, when questioned about grooming his son for politics, Wike responded with a rhetorical question: "What's wrong with that?"

The former Rivers State Governor also suggested that the health rumors were an attempt to divert attention from revelations made by the immediate past Rivers Head of Service, George Nwaeke, regarding an explosion at the Rivers State House of Assembly.

This interview comes amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State, where Wike has been embroiled in a public dispute with his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.