Tag: Tinubu and Wike

• No regret supporting President, says minister

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, on his 58th birthday, describing him as an audacious and results-driven public servant whose performance has stood out in his administration.

In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President described Wike as one of the shining stars in his cabinet.

Tinubu celebrated the former Rivers State governor for a life marked by purpose, service and courage, while thanking God for his contributions to national development.

 Tinubu praised Wike as a top performer who consistently defies obstacles and delivers tangible results, particularly in the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through aggressive infrastructure expansion.

 The President specifically highlighted the minister’s recent intervention that broke a 14-year deadlock on the construction of the Apo–Karshi Road, describing the development as emblematic of Wike’s problem-solving approach to governance.

 Commending the minister’s resilience and “can-do” attitude, Tinubu noted that Wike’s commitment to excellence has translated into visible improvements across the FCT, reinforcing public confidence in the delivery of critical infrastructure.

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 “Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal Capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers,” the President said.

 He further acknowledged Wike’s role as one of the champions of the Renewed Hope Agenda, despite belonging to a different political party, describing his performance as a testament to national service beyond partisan considerations.

 Mr.  President wished the FCT minister a happy birthday and prayed for renewed strength as he continues his work to advance development and service delivery in the nation’s capital.

 “I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey”, the President said.

No regret supporting President Tinubu– Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Nyesom Wike, celebrating his 58th birthday  Saturday said he has no regrets openly supporting President Bola Tinubu, since 2022.

 Wike maintained that his position has remained consistent before, during and after the 2023 presidential election.

 The Minister, who spoke at a special event organised to mark his 58th birthday anniversary, said his political decisions are guided by the principles of character and integrity, adding that he never concealed his support for Tinubu from the outset.

 He recalled that during the build-up to the 2023 presidential election, he was the only leading figure from the main opposition party, who openly declared support for President Tinubu, a decision he said was based on equity, fairness and justice, as well as his conviction that power should shift to the South.

 According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister further argued that his leadership capacity was demonstrated in Rivers State during the elections, where the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the presidential poll while the PDP secured victories in the National Assembly, governorship, State House of Assembly and local government elections under his watch.

 At the birthday event held in the wee hours of yesterday, in Wike’s residence in Abuja, leaders from different political divides gathered to celebrate the achievements and political impact of the former Rivers State Governor and current FCT Minister.

 In attendance were National Assembly lawmakers from Rivers State, serving and former members, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, chairmen of local government areas, as well as close friends and political associates.

 Speakers took turns to extol the virtues of the Minister, describing him as an achiever and astute politician whose impacts are visible across the country, urging him not to relent and assuring him of their continued support.

 Rivers State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, described the FCT Minister  as the “naked wire” of Rivers politics.

Akawor, who is the ex-Director-General of Nyesom Wike’s 2015 governorship campaign, said Wike’s feat had shown that President Bola Tinubu picked the right product from the PDP to work with.

Also, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly,  Martins Amaewhule, who led 27 members of the House of Assembly to Wike’s residence, thanked the Minister for being a leader with a strong shoulder for everyone to lean on.

 He promised the continued loyalty and support of the Assembly members to him, saying; “Wherever our leader (Wike) goes, we will follow him, whoever he is supporting, we will also support.”

 Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government and River State Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon. Allwell Ihunda, who spoke on behalf of Local Government Chairmen, extolled Wike’s virtues, describing as a consistent and compassionate leader.

 Others who spoke were Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee,  Mohammed Abdulrahman,  PDP Board of Trustees Chairman,  Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, PDP National Vice Chairman (South South), Chief Dan Orbih, his All Progressives Congress counterpart, Hon Victor Giadom,

former Governor of Abia State,  Dr Okieze Ikpiazu,  Senator (Prof) Sandy Onor,  Senator Magnus Abe,  Senator George Sekibo, Senator Bari Mpigi, and others.

 In his response, the Minister thanked his political family and associates for standing solidly behind him, acknowledging the role they have played in shaping his leadership journey.

 He said he remained fulfilled working with his people and pledged to continue collaborating closely with them in the interest of the people of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

 Wike, who described criticism and abuses as one of the things that keep him going,  added that he has never been bothered by those who abuse and criticise him.

 The event ended with special prayers for the Minister and his family.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, yesterday said that one of the key priorities of President Bola Tinubu’s administration is the security of lives and property.

Wike said any leader that cannot secure the lives and property of citizens has no business in governance.

The minister said this while presenting 50 operational vehicles fitted with communication gadgets to security agencies to strengthen and fight insecurity in the nation’s capital.

While handing over the vehicles to the agencies, the minister said the measure was to support security agencies with the needed logistics to enable them to combat crime without complaints.

The FCT Police Command got 24 vehicles, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), eight, Advance Party/Security Monitoring, FCT Administration got six while the Department of State Services (DSS) got five.

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Also, the Guard Brigade of the Nigerian Army received three vehicles while the Nigeria Air force, 005, Abuja, Naval Unit, Nigerian Immigration Service, and National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency received one each.

Wike said: “We are no longer talking about infrastructure; we are no longer talking about taking development to the Area Councils; we are now talking about a key factor, a key agenda in the renewed hope mantra, and that has to do with security.

“We are not just concentrating on infrastructure; we are not only concentrating on bringing development to the hinterland; we are also concentrating on providing security in order to protect lives and properties.

“So, it is a priority for President Tinubu that Nigerians are secured and who are those that are responsible? It is the security agencies.

“For us as a government, it is not the responsibility of Mr President to go and identify where the criminals are; it is not my responsibility or the minister of state’s responsibility to go and engage criminals. It is our responsibility to provide the tools for the security agencies to confront these criminals and make sure we sleep with our two eyes closed.

“If we do not play this role, it will be difficult for our security agencies to be effective and to be able to carry out this function of securing lives and properties.”

He urged residents to support and pray for security agencies, who sometimes lose their lives in the line of duty”.

President Bola Tinubu yesterday praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for restoring life to the nation’s capital.

He applauded the minister when he commissioned the Southern Parkway, from Christian Centre to Ring Road One, a project that was initiated 13 years ago.

The President said the completion underscored his commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.

The President said the newly commissioned road, which the FCT administration named after him, would not only ease traffic congestion, but also enhanced mobility and creativity in the nation’s capital.

He said: “I heard from his remark that this project could have been an abandoned project for 13 years, scratching the surface. Once again, our dear landlord, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, thank you for bringing life back to our Federal Capital Territory.

“I understand the Southern Parkway not only represents a physical artery that connects vital areas within FCT, but also symbolises our collective aspirations for connectivity, ease of livelihood, accessibility and progress.

“By providing a seamless and efficient transportation corridor, this road will not only ease traffic congestion, but also enhanced mobility and creativity for the residents and visitors to FCT.

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“The completion of the Southern Parkway underscores our, as we strive to build a world-class capital city. We recognise the fact that infrastructure is an enabler of jobs, economic development and prosperity. We believe we are going to achieve all of that.

“The needs of our citizens is paramount in our minds, so for making our citizens the central focus of our development, we believe Nigeria will succeed. As we formally inaugurate this road, I am greatly honoured, I heard him mentioning my name as the beneficiary. Thank you very much; thank you for being a very good team leader, we all collectively will not let you down.”

President Tinubu lauded the Wike for his vision and hard work, and the changes he has effected, both structurally and administratively

 He said: “I must recognise your vision that is revolutionary and very inspiring to many of our people. The changes you made to the FCT – structural and administrative – is yielding results and elevating the heart of many Nigerians, thank you very much.

“Today, we are here to mark a significant milestone in the journey of our nation towards progress and development. As we commemorate our first year in office when I was inaugurated as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is a great joy and challenge that we have a huge job on our hand.”

 Wike lamented that he met many uncompleted projects in August when he resumed.

Wike said the projects had dragged on for many years, hailing the President for assisting the FCT administration to complete it.

He said the FCTA and the FCT residents appreciated Tinubu’s support and laudable achievements.

Wike added: “It is in this regard and for many other patriotic persuasions that the FCT Administration hereby humbly resolved that this very important road be named the “BOLA AHMED TINUBU WAY”.

The minister said the Southern Parkway was one of the principal arteries conceived and planned as a freeway to provide access and connectivity to the Southern development flank of the city as provided in the Abuja Master Plan.

He said the other principal artery is the Northern Parkway, which has been substantially developed over the years to service the Northern districts.

Wike said: “Southern Parkway at par with the Northern Parkway, this project which was awarded in December, 2010  to Messrs Setraco Nig. Ltd. at the contract sum of N16,234,553,335.64 (Sixteen billion, Two Hundred and Thirty-Four Million, Five Hundred and Fifty-Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty-Five Naira, Sixty Four Kobo).

“Later it was revised to N35,757,763,310.18 (Thirty-Five Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Seven Million, Seven Hundred and Six-Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Ten Naira, Eighteen Kobo) in March, 2021 due to changes in scope and other economic indices.

“The scope of work comprised the construction of 5.4km length of the road – made up of 2 main carriageways of 4 lanes each and 2 service carriageways of 2 lanes each, making a total of 12 lanes.

“It also includes the construction of 4 number  Interchanges (a total of 8 bridges) in addition to the provision of associated underground engineering infrastructure facilities.

“I am happy to further inform your Excellency that the project is now completed in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of Mr. President. The completion of the project will indeed enhance traffic circulation around the City Centre thereby reducing delays in travel time; complementing the developed portion of the Northern Parkway by easing the traffic congestion experienced in the Southern Districts of Garki, Gudu,  and Durumi as well as accelerating the development of the Southern axis of the city in general, thereby bringing improved socio-economic benefits to residents and visitors to the city.”

The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Shehu Hadi Ahmed, presented a technical brief on the newly completed Southern Parkway project.

He said: “This vital transportation artery is a key component of the Abuja Master Plan, designed to optimize vehicular movement and enhance connectivity between the developed sectors and the central area.

“The Abuja Master Plan envisions two development corridors, North and South, with the central area as the main hub. The parkway system, including the Northern and Southern Parkways, forms an integral part of the transportation network. While the Northern Parkway has been developed, the Southern Parkway had remained undeveloped for years, until the determination of the Honorable Minister of the FCT, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, brought it to fruition”.

Hadi said the Southern Parkway spans 27 kilometers, from the city center to the inner southern expressway, and is designed to rapidly evacuate traffic, reduce delays: “and increase productivity.

He added: “It also aims to complement the Northern Parkway, ease traffic congestion in the southern districts, and accelerate development in the southern axis of the city”.

The official said the commissioned segment of the Southern Parkway covers 5.4 kilometers, featuring two main carriageways with four lanes each, two service carriageways with two lanes each, and four interchanges with eight bridge crossings.

Hadi said: “The project, awarded to Setraco Nigeria Limited in two phases, suffered inadequate funding but was completed through the efforts of Barr. Wike,”

He highlighted the project’s objectives, including rapid traffic evacuation, reduced delays, and increased productivity.

The Southern Parkway’s completion marks a significant achievement in the FCT’s development, demonstrating the government’s commitment to infrastructure and sustainable growth. As Abuja continues to evolve, this vital artery will play a crucial role in shaping the city’s future.