Atiku's aide demands funding transparency from Wike

Paul Ibe, the media adviser to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, has raised concerns regarding the funding sources for media engagements conducted by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. In a post on X, Ibe requested Wike to publish invoices and disclose the funding sources for live broadcasts of his media sessions.

Ibe estimated that the cost for eight stations broadcasting for two hours could range from ₦160m to ₦320m per session, potentially totaling between ₦1.92bn and ₦3.84bn for 12 monthly sessions. He emphasized that residents of the FCT have a right to know how public resources are being spent, arguing that Wike's media engagements should focus on infrastructure and public services rather than political disputes.

Ibe urged Wike to identify the stations paid, the amounts, and the relevant budget lines. The inquiry followed Wike's recent media parley in Abuja, where he discussed his administration's projects and political support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.

Wike's spokesperson, Lere Olayinka, did not provide an immediate response to inquiries.