FCT minister says he left restaurant without eating after feeling unsafe as crowd gathered, insists encounter should not be mistaken for popularity.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has recounted an incident in which he was surrounded by a large crowd, including suspected miscreants, while attempting to eat at a restaurant in Abuja, saying the experience left him feeling unsafe and forced him to leave without having his meal.

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Naija News reports that Wike disclosed the incident during a media chat while responding to questions about how residents of the Federal Capital Territory perceive his administration following ongoing infrastructure and urban renewal projects across Abuja.

The former Rivers State governor explained that he had deliberately visited the restaurant without his security details, hoping to have a quiet meal. However, shortly after arriving, dozens of people reportedly gathered to greet him, making the environment increasingly uncomfortable.

According to Wike, the situation quickly escalated as suspected miscreants assembled outside the restaurant, apparently expecting him to hand out money.

“There was a day when I went to one of the restaurants to eat, and I didn’t go with security. Upon my arrival, I encountered over 50 people coming to greet me, and I didn’t know what to do.

“Of course, I didn’t feel safe; you can’t interpret that as people liking you.”

The minister said the growing crowd compelled him to abandon his plans and leave the restaurant before ordering any food.

“I told the restaurant workers that I would come back, but at that point, I was no longer comfortable. As soon as I stepped outside, I saw some miscreants waiting for me to give them money,” he added.

Wike noted that while public officials often receive attention from members of the public, such encounters should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of popularity, stressing that personal safety remains a priority.

The FCT minister has consistently defended his administration’s development initiatives, maintaining that ongoing road construction, urban renewal projects and efforts to restore order within the nation’s capital are aimed at improving the quality of life for residents and enhancing Abuja’s status as Nigeria’s seat of government.