The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesome Wike, is arguably Nigeria’s most dramatic politician who constantly headlines the news in ways many find quite intriguing. From his political remarks which are often laced with innuendos to his rib-cracking dance steps and occasionally unconventional outfits, the two-time Rivers State governor has never failed to court controversy both on and offline.
Earlier in the week, on Monday, all Wike’s three attributes got people talking, but it was a Versace denim midi coat he donned at the unveiling of the Mabushi Bus Terminal in Abuja that topped the conversation. A video of Wike in the denim dress, dancing with his allies in a palatial living room and his swipe at Ireti Kingibe, the Senator representing FCT also went viral that day.
The coat, with a strap in its front just below the collar and a Versace badge embroidered on the left sleeve, was considered seemingly awkward by many on social media. The fuss around the outfit took a dramatic turn when it was reported to be worth £2,125 (N4.07 million) or £1499 (N2.8 million) at a discounted rate.
On X (formerly Twitter), users marvelled at the cost of the multimillionaira wear.
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@samueluchendu15, wrote, “They just inboxed me that the Wike dress I am shading is a VERSACE design that costs £2,125.”
@iamsamedoho wondered why the minister would appeal to Nigerians to make sacrifices, but flaunted an expensive dress while the country gropes in widespread economic hardship.
He said, “Wike is urging Nigerians to make sacrifices, but he does not seem to be making any sacrifices in terms of his dress code. He is wearing a garment that was priced at £2125 but is now discounted to £1499. Can you please convert £1499 to naira?”
However, @akinofibadan came to Wike’s defence, saying, “Alaye (replying to @iamsamedoho), this thing wey u talk na rubbish. He should make sacrifice for the nation doesn’t mean he should not wear what ever he want na. Abi how much is £1499 wear? You people don’t know what you want from this politicians I swear.”
@samdrew quickly retorted, prodding @akinofibadan to “tell us Wike’s career out of govt that would allow him afford such. Unless you are saying it’s okay to steal while in government, then spend afterwards.”
Can Aba ‘boys’ do a better job?
Back to the perceived awkwardness of the outfit, many netizens believe it is way too expensive and lacks finesse.
To @fliks, “the boys from Aba” would even design a superior outfit to Wike’s at a fraction of the cost. ‘Flaunting’ such a dress in a country neck-deep in economic hardship also irked the Instagram user.
“Despite the current economic climate in Nigeria, these individuals have the audacity to flaunt their wealth while denying people a basic minimum wage. The absurdity that is Nigeria persists…,” @fliks stated.
@grace_emmanuel shared a similar sentiment. He insisted the outfit was a misplaced buy amidst Nigeria’s current economic situation and gave him a thumbs-down.
“This is the change you promised Nigerians….The funny thing is that despite all these expensive dress someone wearing an okirika [second-hand clothes] will still look better than these politicians. They only spend money on nonsense.”
@ksolo_his posted a witty poor rating too, saying the dress is “expensive but the design no fit am. Abi na advert him dey do for denim?”
@_panapetfashion’s brought more humour to the thread. He said Wike “looks like a well-kitted human ready for any amount of rainfall.”
Fubara dragged to the outfit
Like old wine, the denim chats got merrier online when some social media users compared Wike’s dress sense to that of his estranged godson and successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“It seems Wike’s tailor has joined Gov. Sim Fubara’s camp,” @jrnaib2 wrote.
@BwalaDaniel added, “@GovWike Wike’s designer defected? @SimFubaraKSC Fubara seems to have snatched his structure and his fashion designer ohh.”
“Wike’s tailor is in Fubara’s camp. Sim Fubara is in charge,” @obaofph01 also wrote.
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