‘I Bought My Rolls-Royce, No One Gave It To Me’ — Wike Dismisses Bribery Allegations

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has strongly refuted claims that he received a Rolls-Royce as a gift or political inducement, insisting he personally purchased the luxury car.

Speaking during an interview on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Thursday night, the former Rivers State governor dismissed rumours of corruption, stressing that his financial standing predates his political life.

“I have a Rolls-Royce. So what? Nobody gave it to me; I bought it,” Wike declared. “People wonder, ‘With what money?’ Well, I came from a comfortable home. My father was a general manager of several companies.”

Wike revealed that even during his university days, he enjoyed a life of privilege. “As a student, I drove a Mercedes-Benz. I didn’t come from poverty. So don’t let anyone mislead you into thinking I suddenly became wealthy,” he said.

On allegations of corruption, the FCT Minister was adamant that he has never been found guilty by any court.

“When people say ‘corrupt,’ what exactly do they mean? No court has ever convicted me. Needing money to pay school fees or look after your family doesn’t make you corrupt,” he argued. “Yes, I own properties, but it’s not sudden wealth.”

Addressing concerns over his real estate portfolio, Wike defended his right to own assets after years of public service.

“I was Speaker for four years and Governor for eight years. Naturally, I will have properties. But that does not translate to corruption,” he explained. “I’m not a bushman. My family was structured. Back in my local government, my father was among the first to build a duplex.”

Wike also took a swipe at his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, accusing him of projecting his own actions onto others.

“Someone claimed I was gifted a Rolls-Royce by a contractor. That’s untrue. That’s what he did, not me. That’s why he’s upset,” Wike said. “He accepted a car from someone handling a contract for him. That’s bribery. What I did is entirely different.”

Wike concluded by drawing a line between himself and his critics, arguing that their backgrounds are worlds apart.

“You can’t compare where I came from with where others (Amaechi) came from. We are not on the same level,” he declared.