Tag: Nyesom Wike

Group of 16 demands apology from FCT minister over attack on Odili

He’s too busy to respond to opportunists, says aide

Some concerned elders who are supporters of Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara yesterday berated Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike for allegedly taunting ex-Governor Peter Odili and his family.

In a response to Odili’s claim on Sunday at a special thanksgiving service organised by House of Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule at the Anglican Church, Oro-Igwe/Eliogbolo, Port Harcourt, that Fubara stopped him from converting the state to his personal estate, Wike said he brought Odili back to life from political oblivion, built a mansion for him and funded his university.

The minister called Odili a “General Overseer,” saying the former governor cornered his nephew’s appointment in Fubara’s government for his daughter and benefitted from other appointments.

But in a statement yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, by former Governor Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru and 12 others, the elders described Wike’s comments as unbecoming and disrespectful.

The statement said: “We, the Concerned Elders of Rivers State, issue this statement with a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to uphold the values of respect, unity, and decorum that have long been the foundation of our society.

“It has come to our attention, again sadly, that the former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, through his words, at an event in a church this week at Oro-Igwe, has directed insults against a former governor of the State, Dr. Peter Odili, and a highly respected national elder statesman of our dear country Nigeria and his family.

“Such a behaviour is not only unbecoming but also stands in contrast to the time-honoured traditions of mutual respect, especially for elders and deference to wisdom and experience that we all hold dear in Rivers State.”

The elders said they believed in the power of dialogue and the importance of addressing grievances through constructive and respectful means, but frowned on the act of disrespecting elders.

They said: “Elders are custodians of our heritage, wisdom and values, and any affront to their dignity is an injury to the entire community.

“This is why we stand tall against the unfortunate remarks of Nyesom Wike and his penchant to throw caution and decency to the wind by insulting dignified persons and institutions, including respected traditional rulers and clergymen, whenever he pleases.

“Otherwise, how would anyone justify the current disrespect to the Odilis? Or, would we forget so soon how he denigrated Sir Celestine Omehia, a former governor of Rivers State, or the other leaders, including Prince Uche Secondus or the King of Eberi Omuma, Onyekachi Amaonwu?”

Read Also: ‘Wike too busy to respond to Rivers opportunistic elders’

The elders said Wike’s insults were triggered by Odili’s opposition to the minister’s alleged impeachment plot against Fubara.

“The only reason Nyesom Wike went berserk against Dr. Peter Odili is that Dr. Odili, in a statesmanly manner, advised him against the impeachment plot of the incumbent governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, in a little over three months in office.

“When Nyesom Wike refused and continued to plot the destabilisation of the government, Dr. Odili took sides with the governor in the interest of the people of Rivers State.

“That is why Nyesom Wike found himself in the burning furnace, like the proverbial child who found himself in the burning fire against his father’s advice to stay away from the furnace,” they said.

The elders defended Odili’s achievements, including his founding of Pamo University of Medical Sciences, which Wike has taken a swipe at, saying: “Pamo University of Medical Sciences (PUMS) is founded and solely funded by Dr. Peter Odili and family.”

They said: “The potential success story of PUMS attracted the Rivers State government to seek collaboration for the training of quality health care personnel to serve the health needs of the people of Rivers State.

“The support that Rivers State government gave to PUMS is for the benefit of Rivers State and her people. His Excellency, Dr. Peter Odili, must be commended for his vision and not vilified.”

The elders also faulted Wike’s allegations against Odili, including his presidential ambition, the appointment of his wife, Justice Mary Odili (retd.) as Pro-Chancellor of Rivers State University, as well as the appointment of his daughter, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, as the Rivers State Commissioner for Health.

On Odili’s presidential ambition, the statement said: “Dr. Peter Odili did not chicken out. In retrospect, we commend the loyalty of Dr. Peter Odili, who obeyed the call by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to step down for the late President Musa Yar’Adua as the PDP presidential candidate in the 2007 election to ensure North-South balancing.

“As a party man and team player, Dr. Peter Odili courageously obeyed without pulling down the house or insulting other Nigerians, even though it was certain he would have won the primaries.

“Nyesom Wike is quarreling with the appointment of Justice Mary Odili (a retired Justice of the Supreme Court) as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council of Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.

“In fact, this is one of the best appointments that Governor Siminalayi Fubara has made as governor. If a Supreme Court Justice, who rose from the ranks to the top, does not qualify as Pro-Chancellor of Rivers State University, then who else does?”

Commenting on the appointment of Odili’s daughter as Rivers State Health Commissioner, the elders said: “There is no law which says that the children of former governors or their wives should not hold public offices, if they are qualified.

“If that is the case, then should we query why Nyesom Wike is a minister and his wife is a Justice of the Court of Appeal? No, we shall not do so. It is good in his house, but he sees it as bad in Dr. Odili’s case.

“Consequent upon the foregoing, we demand that Nyesom Wike tenders an unreserved apology to Dr. Peter Odili, his wife and children for the magnitude of disrespect and abuses he rained on them.

“He should also apologise to the people of Rivers State for the monumental embarrassment he is causing the state.”

But reacting to the elders’ statement, Wike said he was busy celebrating the new year and would not dignify them with a response yet.

A statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Lere Olayinka, said the minister was busy celebrating the new year with those who mattered in Rivers State.

“There is no time to dignify any committee of opportunistic political contractors who are busy withdrawing from the Rivers’ ATM of betrayal that they never wanted in the first place.”                     

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has dismissed claims of having special interest in some choice plots in the nation’s capital, Abuja. 

Wike urged defaulters to pay for more infrastructural development.

The minister said his decision to revoke some lands for non-payment of ground rents is not because the Administration is interested in re-acquiring those lands.

Wike said the process of revocation had been on for years, adding that he was only implementing what he met on ground.

The minister spoke on Tuesday when he inspected some ongoing projects like the 10-lane 15-kilometre Apo-Wasa road, the Court of Appeal Complex in Jabi District and the Saburi – Dei Dei road.

Reacting to reports that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas whose name was published among those owing ground rents, had denied owing the Administration, the minister said those who have paid and can produce their receipts will not be affected.

He said the two-week grace granted defaulters would not be extended again when it elapses on January 3, 2025.

Wike said: “As far as I am concerned, this was done before we came on board and what the Land Department and the AGIS did was to generate the documents from the system. 

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“First of all, if you have paid, it means that you have collected your Certificate of Occupancy C of O.

“Right of Occupancy (R of O) is like an allocation of land where you go and pay for your C of O. So, when you don’t have the C of O, it means that you have not paid. I don’t want to join issues with the Speaker or whatever but the point is that if there are people who have paid, like some people say they have paid and they have attached their receipts to show that they have paid, in such cases, yes, there are many. As to whether there will be another grace, I don’t think we will do that.

“You know, like I have always said, Nigerians don’t like to comply. These allocations were done more than 10 years ago. It was not as if it was done during our own time. And you know Abuja does not have anything other than property to tax for us to have development. So, we have been able to do justice by making sure that people are going to abide and comply. Our interest is not to have the lands back. Our interest is for them to pay so we can use the funds for the development of their city.

“Now, we are talking about roads. How will you get the roads done without people complying and paying? So, we will not. I don’t think we want to give another period of grace. After it expires, we will reallocate all those lands so other people who will be interested”.

Asked whether the constant criticisms of his actions by some partisans would slow him down, Wike said; “I have never complained of distractions. Nothing distracts me. I am very focused. Even if people are complaining, it is part of confidence. You don’t expect that you will superintend over the fears of people and then you satisfy everybody. People must complain, but I can tell you such complaints cannot distract us. We are very focused and since it is part of our job, we will continue to do our job. Forget about people saying demolition”.

More developmental projects, Wike said should be expected in the year 2025.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu is always concerned about the welfare and the development of the country. 

…holds security committee meeting 

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike on Friday charged security agencies in the FCT to work toward making the territory safe for residents to enjoy the end of year festivities.

Wike gave the charge during the FCT Security committee meeting held ahead of the yuletide. 

The minister said the meeting was called to ascertain the level of preparedness of the security agencies for the security of lives and property of all residents, stressing that residents should be able to sleep with their eyes closed at all times.

He said: “Normally criminals will like to take advantage and try to make it uncomfortable for our citizens. I believe we are prepared to provide security for us. You have done well, you have done good policing, but we will not fold our arms and say things are ok now.

“We have to continue to be vigilant, to make sure that there is no room for anybody to manipulate. The people in Abuja must sleep with their two eyes closed and can run their businesses”.

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Addressing reporters shortly after the meeting, FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Tunji Disu, said the committee is intensifying efforts to ensure that the FCT is safe during and after the end of year festivities.

Disu disclosed that joint teams of all the security agencies will embark on clearance operations in the coming days and urged residents not to panic at the sight of the high-power security operatives, adding that specific places have been identified for more deployment.

He said: “We are intensifying our activities in all the borders. Exit and entry into the FCT. We are synergising with all the neighbouring states and focusing on all the bushes around. The Nigeria Airforce is bringing in their helicopters for surveillance of the identified areas while the Nigeria Army, Navy, NSCDC and Police are ready and already clearing the bushes.

 “You are going to be seeing all of us patrolling together. These are sights not usually seen under normal circumstances. So, you will see us patrol together to ensure we bring peace”.

He thanked residents for their cooperation while soliciting for their continued support, urging them to report any suspicious person or activity to the security agencies.

…says minister has no time for political ‘hushpuppis’

The senior special assistant to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on public communications and new media, Lere Olayinka, on Friday faulted comments by the Action Peoples Party (APP) and Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), alleging that the FCT Minister and security agencies were plotting to arrest Ugochinyere.

Olayinka said Wike is too focused and busy to have time for ‘political hushpuppis.’

The SSA, who was reacting to an alarm raised by the Action Peoples Party (APP) and Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), alleging that the FCT Minister and security agencies were plotting to arrest Ugochinyere, said: “If Ugochinyere has collected ‘Alawee’ from anyone and he did not deliver on his assignment, he should go and settle with the person.”

The FCT Minister’s spokesperson, who described the CUPP as an unknown and illegal entity, said those operating under the platform should look for something better and dignifying to do.

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He said the sole purpose for which CUPP was set up in 2018 was to galvanize support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 presidential election and nothing more.

In a statement on Friday, Olayinka said: “After the 2019 presidential election, CUPP and its purpose ended. But as usual, Ugochinyere kept using it to chop and eventually used the platform to negotiate his way to the House of Representatives where he is now impersonating as spokesperson of a non-existing group of opposition lawmakers.

“Apart from the non-existing CUPP, Ugochinyere is also using his real political party, the APP to collect Alawee from a certain man who is swimming in the rivers of betrayal, and one never can tell who he has played his usual game of obtaining with this time around.

“Therefore, if there are allegations of judicial corruption, treason, bribery of judicial officers and forgery against him as being said by his cohorts in APP and non-existing CUPP, he should rather do a thorough search of his mind to ascertain which of his political Mugus or Magas are angry with him this time.

“As for Wike, he is too busy with the business of developing the FCT as mandated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has no time to give attention-seeking-individual like Ugochinyere who is constantly looking for the next source of Alawee.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has given owners of the 762 plots of land in Maitama II District, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, a fresh two-week ultimatum to pay for their Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) or risk the final revocation of their allocations.

According to a statement on Friday from his Senior Special Assistant for Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister reiterated that the primary interest was not for people to lose their land but to ensure they made the necessary payments to the government.

The statement read: “It should be recalled that on October 5, 2024, a list of 3,273 allottees/title holders that were yet to pay for their C-of-O was published. They were offered two weeks to pay their bills or lose their Right of Occupancy (R-of-O) titles. Out of the 3,273, a total of 2,511 complied, leaving 762.

“Yesterday, a notice of withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of the 762 defaulters was published.

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“Since then, many of the affected allottees have offered to pay, and since the primary aim of the government is to ensure payment, a two-week grace has been given.

“Consequently, the 762 allottees and the 614 others with outstanding payment on C-of-O will have till January 3, 2025, to pay, or have their R-of-O titles withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978.

“After January 3, 2025, there will be no further extension, and withdrawal of the R-of-O titles of defaulters will be final.”

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio on Friday gave an insight into why former governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, was nominated into the Federal Executive Council (FEC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Akpabio spoke at a book launch to mark the 57th birthday celebration of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Port Harcourt, according to a statement by his special assistant on media, Jackson Udom in Abuja.

Akpabio described Wike as a workaholic public officer and someone who gives his best at any office he found himself saying, “Let me tell you why you were nominated into the FEC by President Tinubu despite being an opposition politician.

“Your performance, as a local government chairman, Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Government, Minister and two-term governor gave you the job.

“You have made us proud as the FCT minister. You have turned Abuja into a model city befitting the capital of a country. You are a very committed public officer who has no room for excuses on any given task.

“In less than two years, you have turned Abuja into a huge construction site.”

Speaking further, Akpabio said, “today we gather to celebrate not just the years in your life, but the life in your years. We have come to honour not just the duration of your life but the donation of your life and the countless ways you’ve enriched the lives of the people around you.

“Born in the tumultuous year of 1967, when the fabric of our nation was being tested in the fires of conflict, you emerged, my dear Wike, not in the safety of calm waters but amid the storm itself. You might have chosen to arrive in more tranquil times, but instead, you bravely came forth into the fray.

“It is perhaps this very fortitude that has shaped your character, allowing you to rise like an eagle, soaring high above the tempests that beset us.

Read Also: Association pledges to work with Wike to bring development to FCT

“As a two-term governor, you have been a leader of the people, a visionary who acts with purpose, and a friend whose care for others knows no bounds. Your dedication to uplifting communities, as a Governor and now as an Honourable Minister, has left an indelible mark upon our nation’s history. The bridges you have constructed—both of steel and of spirit—stand as testaments to your commitment to progress and unity. I recognized the fire within you long before you stepped into the public arena; you were, indeed, a secret waiting to be unveiled for the nation to behold.

“Your contributions to the political landscape of Nigeria, particularly during your governorship, shine like a beacon of hope. Your charismatic leadership and staunch advocacy for the rights of your constituents have focused on the pillars of infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

“Your passion for sports, particularly football, and your commitment to nurturing the talents of our youth reflect your unwavering belief in the potential of the next generation. You have earned a reputation as a leader of uncompromising integrity, speaking truth in every circumstance even when the winds of injustice howl around you like a tempest.”

Akpabio thanked the wife, children and family members of the celebrant, who have stood by him through thick and thin saying, “let us not forget, on this auspicious day, the steadfast support of your beloved wife. She has stood beside you through trials and triumphs alike, her strength and encouragement complementing your leadership in extraordinary ways. Together, you exemplify a partnership that inspires countless souls, proving that love and unity can elevate a leader’s impact to unparalleled heights.

“Now, let us take a moment to appreciate your infectious spirit, which has the power to lighten the gravest of discussions with your wit and charm. You remind us that politics is not merely a realm of policies and procedures; it is, at its core, about people—about laughter, camaraderie, and the shared joy of our communities.”

He prayed for Wike on his 60th birthday, saying, “may this birthday bring you as much joy as you have bestowed upon others, and may you embrace even more adventures, more successes, and an ever-increasing momentum in your noble service to our beloved fatherland. Here’s to another year of making a difference, inspiring change, and, of course, sharing that signature smile that warms our hearts!

…warns construction companies against land grabbing

Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Thursday said he would not be moved by sentiments or blackmail in his bid to sanction property owners who have refused to pay their ground rents despite several notices served on them.

This was as he warned construction companies in the territory against land grabbing, saying the fact that they are given lands to house their equipment does not automatically confer on them ownership.

The minister stated this in Abuja when he officially presented 50 Hilux vehicles to security agencies in the territory.

Wike, who had a few months ago distributed another set of 50 Hilux vehicles to security agencies in the territory, said his administration is currently building 12 police divisions across the six Area Councils.

According to him, the police divisions would be completed by April next year and handed over to the Federal Capital Territory FCT Command of the Nigeria Police Force.

He said: “The Commissioner of Police requested for additional police divisions and as I speak to you now, we are building 12 police divisions across the six Area Councils. They are ongoing and by the grace of God, before April next year we believe those police divisions will have been finished and furnished and then we have them over to the CP. This is to enhance security in those areas. Emphasis will not be on one area. Emphasis will be on the satellite towns, rural areas, and the city. Everywhere is important to us”.

The minister also warned against blackmail by residents who might have flouted the laws, saying he won’t succumb to them.

Reacting to the controversy that has trailed his decision to revoke a plot of land in which Niger Delta activist, Chief Rita Lori Ogbebor has an interest, the minister said those who are laying claims to lands that have been revoked should produce documents to back their claims.

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“Let me use this opportunity to tell Nigerians and residents of Abuja, we are not afraid of blackmail. In fact, you cannot be in this type of position and expect not to be blackmailed, particularly as regards this Abuja. Some of us have come to put our foot down.

We will stop anybody who thinks that they can obtain government land without formal approval. We will not look at your face.

“If you like, you can be a civil rights activist. If you like, you can be a television talker. What is wrong is wrong.

“No amount of blackmail can stop us. People take government property without approval, without documents and I have told people that there was a government yesterday, but the government did not take any steps does not mean that another government will come today and will not take any steps. Or even if this government does not, tomorrow another government will come that may take a step. That you did something 15 years ago does not mean it is right. It does not mean it is right.

“The mere fact that nobody tried to tell you it is not right does not make it right. You cannot take blackmail to get something from the government. You can’t. You cannot. Recently, we told Julius Berger to quit the central business area. When Julius Berger came to Abuja, they asked for a site for them to do their construction. That site does not mean it belongs to Julius Berger. Julius Berger has finished their job. They have to quit the land.

“You cannot tell me if they give you a site because of the construction you finish, the land now turns out to be your own. Is it possible? Show me the document that belongs to you. I am not the kind of person you can think of when you go on television and start saying you have lived on the land for over 20 years. And so, what? You are a squatter. If you like, go and carry everybody. What is wrong is wrong.

“You go behind you tell people to beg me then you go on television to tell people that they came to take your land and you said the land was allocated to a Rivers man. So what? So, a Rivers man is not entitled to have land in Abuja? You will tell me who is that person that is entitled to have land in Abuja. You can’t tell me that. If you want me to go and publish the names of people who have landed in Abuja I will go and publish, let Nigerians see. If you want land, you know the right thing to do. You know the right step to take. Through blackmail, you won’t get it. You won’t get it.

“If your husband had a company who did a job for Abuja and had a site to stay, that doesn’t make it your husband’s property. It doesn’t. It is for you to come and say please, we have this problem, how can you help us? And not to begin to blackmail people and tell them to go to social media that Mr Wike has come to take your land and he gave it to a House of Representatives member. Ask the Chairman of FCT. Who does not have land in the National Assembly? Ask him. Who does not? I mean, some of us, you cannot get us by blackmail. Forget it. If you have a problem, come to us. 

“We will know how to help you. We will know how to solve the problem, not saying, “Oh, I am a woman. Oh, I am a woman”. What’s that? Because you’re a woman, you will go and carry government land? Let anybody tell the person, bring your documents to show that the property is yours. I have published it in newspapers and people thought I was joking”, he added.

… says ‘nothing I’ve asked that has been denied’

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support, which empowered him to effectively carry out his ministerial responsibilities.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of staff quarters for the Nigerian Law School and the presentation of vehicles to its management, Wike emphasized the crucial role Tinubu’s leadership and vision have played in driving infrastructural development in the FCT.

“You see, it is one thing to give somebody an appointment. It is another thing to give support, full support. I can tell you, as a minister, I’m not saying to quarrel with anybody, but I believe that I’m so lucky that there’s nothing I’ve asked that will enable me to do my work properly that Mr President has not supported,” Wike said.

The Minister elaborated on the transformative fiscal measures introduced under Tinubu’s administration, including the shift from a centralised treasury system to greater financial independence.

“Before, all our internally generated funds went straight to the Central Bank. But now, we can interface with commercial banks, secure funding, and drive infrastructural development. That is Mr. President for you—identifying and removing impediments to progress,” he explained.

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Using a local analogy, Wike illustrated the President’s indispensable role for the achievements in the FCT.

“When people say we are doing something, let me use a local parlance. People say, ‘monkey dey jump, monkey dey jump’—na where tree near tree. If the tree is not close to the tree, the monkey cannot jump. Do you understand me? So all this FCT Minister is doing is because there is somebody behind him who is giving him all the necessary support, and that’s Mr. President,” he noted.

The Minister lauded President Tinubu’s business-like approach to governance, noting that it has fostered an environment that enables governance to thrive in the country.

“Mr President sees governance as business, what do I mean by that? As a businessman, you wouldn’t want your business to collapse. You want your business to progress. And that’s the way he sees governance. That governance should be meaningful, should be progressive. Let it have a positive impact on the people,” Wike stated.

The minister affirmed his commitment to the legal profession, pledging to make impactful contributions to his constituency during his tenure.

He called for an increase in the budget allocation to the Nigerian Law School, emphasising the critical role of adequate funding in nurturing the next generation of legal professionals.

“Please, I want to also send this message: try and jack up the budget of the Nigerian Law School so that it can have adequate funding. I’m happy with the man who is at the helm of affairs of the Law School. The way he carries himself is what attracts support,” Wike stated.

The minister expressed concern over the state of the hostels at the Nigerian Law School, promising improved accommodations in the upcoming budget.

“As we were coming with my friend, I saw something that looked like a hostel. I told him, how can we have this as a hostel, where lawyers are being trained, where they will live? I said, how? Therefore, we will provide for both the female and the male in the 2025 budget,” he assured.

Wike, who is known for his assertive leadership style, made it clear that his actions are driven by a sense of duty to his profession.

“Now that we are in this position, we must contribute to our constituency. So that tomorrow, we can proudly say, while we were there, this was our contribution to the legal profession,” he remarked.

…as minister flags off 15km Tai Road in Kwali

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to ensure that criminals have no hiding place to operate in Abuja this December.

Speaking on Tuesday, Wike called on security operatives to work tirelessly to maintain safety across the nation’s capital, particularly during the festive season.

He announced that operational vehicles will be handed over to security agencies on Thursday to boost their efficiency.

The minister made these remarks while inaugurating the construction of a 15-kilometer stretch of Tai Road in Kwali.

He said: “I thank all of you, I thank all my friends who from day one have been giving us all the support. I thank the security agencies for the work you have been doing in the FCT and the other area councils to see that we have peace. And I know by Thursday when we will give you the vehicles to fight more crime, making sure that criminals will not have any breathing space as far as this December is concerned. We will make sure they will not have anywhere to hide. So I thank you for the job you are doing”.

Wike, who decried the disconnect between the city centre and the satellite towns said what the renewed hope agenda is all about is what Mr. President is doing through him adding that he is ready to connect the satellite towns to the city centre. 

He said: “Abuja was created since 1976 and it has been a total disconnect between the city centre and the satellite towns. Ordinarily, we would have had not only one city that is developed, we would have had more than two or three cities that are developed to discourage people from moving out to congest the main city.

“Some few months ago, when we came here, we came to Pai to Gomani to flag off that route. On our way to that place, I was asking the question, what happened here? Why is there no road? How do you get to that area? The people going to that area must pass through this place. How will they feel? We will not allow it, we will come and flag off this road so that as the contractor working from Pai to Gomani, this contractor will work from A2 to Pai. 

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“In essence, if you add the 15km to almost 18km of Pai to Gomani, you are talking about 33km. You can imagine what the people here will benefit at the end of the day. People talk about insecurity. Why will you not have your security when there are no access roads? So even if anything happens, the security agencies cannot even have access to provide the necessary security for the people.

“But I believe by the grace of God, by May, June next year, the people will have been dancing and will have been happy. But you see, there is one fundamental question we will ask. Abuja was created since 1976 and it has had a total disconnect between the city and the satellite towns. Ordinarily, we would have had not only one city, we would have had more than two or three cities to discourage people from moving out to congest the main city. 

“With the renewed hope agenda, I hope all of you understand what the President is doing. What the President is doing through us is to connect the satellite towns to the main city, so that you don’t have to say, let me go and stay in the city.

“By the time we provide water to the satellite towns and good roads, we will be talking about having a positive impact on governance. And I believe by the time we put solar lights on this road, it will look like a city.

“Be assured that under Mr. President’s tenure, every promise we have made, every project we have started, we will complete all of them. We are not going to abandon any project at all”, he added.

Wike commended the contractor, Zeberced Group for the confidence they have in the FCT Administration as they have gone ahead to start the project even when mobilization has not been paid to them. 

He, however, charged the contractor to employ the people to enable them to feed their families. 

The deputy chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Sen. Salihu Mustapha and Vice Chairman, House Committee on FCT and Ancillary Matters, Peter Akpanke said: “When it comes to Wike, what is happening was not strange to them as they were used to him doing such things that earned him the appellation Mr. Project.”