Veteran Nigerian actor Patrick Doyle has taken a swipe at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, criticizing what he called an excessive display of grandeur during a media parley held on Wednesday, July 3.
Doyle, in a social media post that quickly gained traction, drew particular attention to the ornate chair Wike sat on during the parley — a chair he described as resembling a “throne.”
“Watching Wike sit on what can only be described as a throne during a media chat with journalists in the FCT was just too much. Why would a public servant sit on such an ostentatious piece while addressing citizens in a republic?” Doyle questioned.
“We Are a Republic, Not a Monarchy”
Doyle expressed concern that such optics send the wrong message to Nigerians, especially during a time when citizens are dealing with economic hardship and insecurity.
“That chair symbolizes everything that’s wrong with governance in Nigeria — an elite class that sees itself above the people,” Doyle added.
Mixed Reactions Online
As expected, Nigerians on social media were divided. Some supported Doyle’s comments, praising him for calling out what they deemed to be an out-of-touch display of opulence. Others felt the focus should be on Wike’s performance as a minister, not his choice of furniture.
Wike, known for his larger-than-life personality and bold political moves, has not responded to the criticism.
