Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed allegations of corruption against him, insisting that he personally purchased his Rolls-Royce and did not receive it as a bribe or political favour.

Speaking on ?Politics Today? on Channels Television, Wike addressed claims that the luxury car was gifted to him, stressing that no contractor or associate gave him the vehicle.

?I have a Rolls-Royce. So what? Nobody gave it to me. I bought it,? he said. ?People ask, ?With what money?? Let me tell you ? I came from a comfortable background.?

Wike revealed that his father was a general manager of several companies and that he enjoyed a decent lifestyle even as a student.

?As a student, I was driving a Mercedes-Benz. So don?t let anyone tell you I suddenly became wealthy. I didn?t come from poverty,? he explained.

He refuted accusations that his personal wealth was linked to his time in office or political deals, asserting that he had not been found guilty of any corruption by any court.

?When people say ?corrupt,? what exactly do they mean?? he asked. ?No court has ever indicted me for corruption. Wanting money to pay school fees or take care of your family does not make you corrupt.?

He also responded to jabs from political opponents who claim he owns multiple properties across the country. Wike did not deny owning houses but insisted that his success was built over time, not overnight.

?I was a Speaker for four years and Governor for eight years. Of course, I will have property. But that doesn?t make me corrupt. I?m not a bushman. I came from a structured family. In my local government, my father was one of the few who had a duplex back then.?

Wike stated that the criticism directed at him from Amaechi was largely driven by envy and misinformation, particularly by those who could not match his achievements or lifestyle.

?Someone said I was given a Rolls-Royce by a contractor. That?s a lie. That?s what he did ? not me. That?s why he?s angry. He took a car from someone doing a job for him. That?s bribery, not what I did.?

Wike maintained that his financial status is not a result of abuse of office but of years of public service and a solid personal background.

?You cannot compare where I came from with where others (Amaechi) came from. We are not on the same level,? he concluded. (The Guardian, excluding headline)

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