If Uche Nnaji Can Resign Over Fake Certificate Scandal, Wike Must Also Go’: Nigerians Take To X In #WikeMustGo Campaign
‘If Uche Nnaji Can Resign Over Fake Certificate Scandal, Wike Must Also Go’: Nigerians Take To X In #WikeMustGo Campaign
Wike’s Florida Property and Abuja Land-grabbing Scandal
Awave of online outrage is sweeping across Nigerian social media as citizens rally under the hashtag #WikeMustGo, demanding the immediate removal of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, following the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the embattled Minister of Science, Innovation, and Technology.
Wike’s Florida Property and Abuja Land-grabbing Scandal
There have been reports about how Wike and his wife, Eberechi Suzzette, purchased three lakeside homes in Winter Springs, Florida, worth over $6 million between July 2021 and September 2023.
The properties were reportedly purchased in cash and transferred to their children, Jordan, Joaquin, and Jazmyne, raising concerns about money laundering.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore petitioned Florida’s Attorney General, citing violations of U.S. money laundering laws and requesting the seizure of assets and visa bans.
Wike is also accused of allocating over 2,000 hectares (about 40,000 plots) of prime Abuja land to his son Joaquin through a shell company, Joaq Farms and Estates Ltd. The allocations span Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape, Bwari, and Gaduwa, with an estimated value of $3.6 billion.
Documents suggest that Wike bypassed regulations and reallocated land intended for public infrastructure to private firms linked to his family.
Critics and civil society groups have accused President Tinubu of shielding Wike for political reasons ahead of the 2027 elections.
Wike has denied all allegations, while his media aide dismissed the claims as unfounded.
#WikeMustGo Campaign
The online campaign, which began shortly after Nnaji’s resignation amid allegations of certificate forgery and corruption, has taken on a new tone as many Nigerians argue that public officials with questionable ethics should not remain in office.
For instance, one X user, Chiads, wrote, “Nnaji has set a moral precedent; public office is not a fortress. After his Florida mansions, Wike should go too. #WikeMustGo.”
Another commentator, Amaka, echoed the sentiment, describing Nnaji’s resignation as a rare act of integrity in Nigeria’s political space.
“Uche Nnaji has obviously set a moral precedent that public office isn’t a fortress. Wike should join after his Florida mansion. Nnaji’s resignation has proven that no office is more than public integrity. Resignation in the face of controversy is not weakness. #WikeMustGo.”
Reacting to what he described as a “political miracle,” Engineer Christian wrote: “I am still surprised that a Nigerian politician and an APC member could resign. If Nigerian criminals and rogues called politicians can emulate this path, I think our political space will be a bit better. #WikeMustGo.”
For Wheez, the resignation of Nnaji should serve as a wake-up call to others in power.
The X user said, “Ministers like Wike must see Nnaji’s decision as a wake-up call. Public trust is sacred and must be protected above all else. #WikeMustGo.”
Similarly, Skytee noted that Nnaji’s action redefines the essence of governance.
“The resignation of one minister clearly shows that governance is about stewardship, not power. Minister Wike also needs to leave his office,” the X user wrote.
Another X user, Oyasto, took the conversation beyond moral symbolism, linking it to Wike’s controversial political battles in Rivers State.
“Wike’s actions during his feud with Fubara — how he used his position to bully him because he wanted to be his godfather — was an infringement on our democracy. He should have been removed from office for that alone. It’s not too late sha because #WikeMustGo,” the X user said.
Uche Nnaji had also confirmed his resignation as Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet following a controversy over the authenticity of his academic qualifications.
In a statement issued late Tuesday night, Nnaji confirmed that he had tendered his resignation to President Tinubu, citing the results of deep reflection and consultations with his family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians.
He stated, “After deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians, I have today tendered my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
SaharaReporters reported on Tuesday that Nnaji, who was appointed by President Tinubu in August 2023, tendered his resignation in a letter, expressing gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve the country.
The announcement of Nnaji’s resignation was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In his letter, the former minister claimed he had been the target of blackmail by political opponents, which influenced his decision to step down.
President Tinubu, in response, thanked Nnaji for his service and wished him success in his future endeavours.
On Saturday, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), had formally disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate being paraded by Nnaji.
The UNN said Nnaji never graduated from the institution and was never issued such a document.
The development brought new weight to allegations that had dogged Nnaji since July 2023, when he was named among the first batch of 28 ministerial nominees sent to the Senate by President Tinubu.
At the time, critics argued that his academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) credentials were fake, insisting that he had not completed his studies at the Nsukka-based university.
In response to a Freedom of Information request by PREMIUM TIMES, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Simon U. Ortuanya, confirmed that while Nnaji was admitted in 1981, there was no record that he completed his studies or graduated from the institution.
On Sunday, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Nnaji had admitted that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), never issued him a degree certificate.
According to the report, Nnaji made the admission in court documents filed before Justice Hauwa Yilwa of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The minister had instituted a suit against the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), the University of Nigeria, its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, the Registrar, a former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oguejiofor Ujam, and the university’s Senate.
The court filings confirm that Nnaji personally acknowledged not having received a certificate from the institution.
Uche Nnaji has obviously set a moral precedent that public office isn’t a fortress .
Wike should join after his Florida mansion .
Nnaji resignation has proven that no office is more than public integrity
Resignation in the face of controversy is not weakness .
#WikeMustGo pic.twitter.com/6jX3BeRfGg
— Grandeur🎈🛍🎍Gcfr💫((PO)) Obidient🌹▪️🇳🇬🇱🇷 (@amaka_gemma) October 8, 2025
