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Tag: Wike

  • FCT satellite towns devt. sacrosanct – Wike insists

    FCT satellite towns devt. sacrosanct – Wike insists

    The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, reiterates that the development of FCT satellite towns by President Bola Tinubu’s administration is unassailable.

    Wike restated this on Saturday, when he inspected the dualised Ushafa to War College and Check point road project in Bwari Area Council.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the minister also inspected the Abuja International Conference Centre (AICC) rehabilitation project.

    According to Wike, the Tinubu’s administration is committed to a balanced development between the city centre and the satellite towns.

    “I have said several times that we are not concentrating in the city, we are also paying attention to the satellite towns.

    “Yesterday, we were at Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils for projects inspection. You know that we are also working on the Kuje to Gwagwalada dualisation project.

    “This tells you that the government of Tinubu is also particularly concerned and paying attention to the satellite towns,” he said.

    He pointed out that the provision of infrastructure and facilities in satellite towns would discourage people from migrating to the cities. 

     “The cause of rural-urban migration is because of lack of amenities and infrastructure in rural areas. We are doing all we can to address that,” the minister said.

    Wike expressed satisfaction with the quality of job done by the contractor handling the 12 kilometres Ushafa road project, and urged completion of installation of the streetlight on time.

    Read Also: Wike, Fubara supporters clash at town hall meeting in Port Harcourt

    Speaking on the AICC project, the minister described the renovated conference centre as “world class”.

    “You remember the directive of Mr President that we should give Nigeria the best. That is what we have done.

    “We are happy that we made promises and to the glory of God, these promises are being fulfilled.

    “Again, that is about the renewed hope agenda,” he said.

    On the inauguration of completed projects to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office, the minister explained that it would be at the discretion of the president.

    He added that the inauguration, which would last for two weeks, would commence after Eid-El Kabir celebration.

    He said that Tinubu may not inaugurate all the projects in person, but major ones, with at least two in satellite towns, “so that the residents will see him and appreciate him for the job he has done.” 

    (NAN)

  • Wike, Fubara supporters clash at town hall meeting in Port Harcourt

    Wike, Fubara supporters clash at town hall meeting in Port Harcourt

    A high drama played out in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital yesterday as supporters of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and those of the suspended governor of Rivers State Siminalayi Fubara clashed

    It was at a town hall meeting where people loyal to the two parties as well as other Rivers natives and residents took turns to express their views on the political crisis in the state.

    Trouble started when the President General of Grassroots Development Initiative (GDI), Bright Amaewhule, took the stage and declared that there is no indigene of Rivers State that would not recognise the role GDI played in the emergence of Sim Fubara as governor of Rivers State.

    He said: “Before the campaign proper, we moved Sim from one local government to another, not the honorable minister.

    “GDI was the group that propelled Sim into being accepted by the people of Rivers State even when he was rejected by the people who claim to be his brothers and sisters.

    “Even when those who now came around him after he had become governor, asking him not to listen to any other person, asking him not to be loyal to the political party that brought him.

    “These were the problems.”

    Amaewhule’s comments promptly drew the attention of the Chairman of Labor Party in the state, Hilda Dokubo, who got up from her seat on the front row, stepped forward and said: “I cannot sit here and listen to this”. She was, however, prevailed upon by the organisers to return to her seat.

    Then came Mr Kenwell Ibanibo, who in response to Amaewhule’s comments, said: “I’ve heard the GDI Chairman say they supported Sim Fubara to become governor. But I’m asking you, what did he do to warrant the first impeachment attempt after just five months?

    Read Also: FCTA bus terminals will curb ‘one chance’ menace – Wike

    “The point is somebody somewhere, who thinks he is the owner of Rivers State, took this position and influenced the impeachment”

    At this point, supporters of the FCT Minister, led by Chibike Ikenga, the factional Rivers APC Chairman, interjected. They started remonstrating with Mr Ibanibo who kept insisting “you spoke, I didn’t interrupt you”.

    Hot words were being exchanged by supporters of both groups, with a Wike supporter heard shouting “insult Wike now! Una go still beg, una go still come lie down. Person wey lie down never stand up una Dey talk!” To this, the now returned Hilda Dokubo fired back: “Him no go lie down! I say him no go lie down!” “No be Wike lie down for somewhere so!?”

    As the melee went on, the anchor tried multiple times to regain control of the situation, appealing to everyone to take their seats.

    Even Mr Jake Epelle could be seen trying to calm frayed nerves as he appealed to the agitated individuals to sheath their swords.

    The tense situation even led to the bouncers coming into the hall and taking up strategic positions as they watched the tense situation.

    After minutes of shouting and remonstration, Mr Ibanibo volunteered to temporarily leave the stage for peace to reign, this served to calm the tensions and the town hall continued.

  • FCT residents hail Tinubu, Wike for reviving infrastructure development

    FCT residents hail Tinubu, Wike for reviving infrastructure development

    Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over the renewed wave of infrastructural development across Abuja and its satellite towns.

    Chanting the slogan “Renewed Hope in Action,” the residents came out in large numbers to cheer the minister during his inspection of ongoing projects at the Gwagwalada Area Council Market, Etsu Road, and the A2 to Pai Road in Kwali Area Council.

    Overflowing with excitement, the residents told Wike that the “Renewed Hope” agenda is no longer just a promise but a visible reality.

    They commended President Tinubu for entrusting Wike with the task of overseeing the transformation of the capital and described the ongoing projects as a clear sign of purposeful leadership.

    In response, Minister Wike reaffirmed that President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is yielding tangible results, particularly in rural infrastructure. He noted that the enthusiasm of residents is the clearest evidence of government impact and vowed to continue delivering projects that improve lives across the territory.

    According to him, “We’re happy when the people are happy. When people’s happiness is tied to the government’s performance, it energizes us, telling us that we’re doing the right thing. It’s not my statement, but that of a resident who said, ‘Indeed, the Renewed Hope Agenda is at work.’ That tells you something”.

    The Minister, while inspecting the A2 to Pai Road, which has now been fitted with streetlights despite being in a rural setting, emphasized the significance of purposeful leadership.

     “This is the result of the right leadership. Mr. President has shown leadership, and we’re only following his vision. There’s no magic to it. When the leader is focused and provides support, those working with him have no excuse not to deliver,” he said.

    Read Also: FCTA bus terminals will curb ‘one chance’ menace – Wike

    While at Aguma Palace, road construction, the Minister was greeted with cheers and overwhelming enthusiasm from residents, including traders and community leaders, who expressed appreciation for the improved infrastructure.

     Wike further explained that, “What we saw in Aguma Palace was incredible,” Wike recalled. “The people were shouting, jubilating. That alone tells you that hope is working.”

    Responding to concerns about the quality of projects being executed, especially in rural areas, Wike was emphatic, “How bad would it feel if you weren’t getting quality jobs? You’ve paid money and they’re delivering what you need, of course, you’ll be happy,” he said. “The contractors know there is no room for substandard work.”

    Addressing questions on whether sectors such as education and health are receiving equal attention, Wike assured that no sector would be left behind.

    “Just because we’re not taking you to the schools yet doesn’t mean nothing is happening. We’ve renovated over 60 schools, and they are truly innovative and polished,” he said. “We’ll invite you after the road commissioning to see for yourself”, he added.

    He emphasised that road infrastructure is foundational, pointing out its central role in accessing education, healthcare, markets, and in tackling insecurity.

    The Minister stressed that, “Development anywhere in the world starts with roads. If there are no roads, which school can you attend? Which hospital can you visit? Which farm produce can you transport? Roads unlock everything.

    “Even criminals think twice when there’s a good road with streetlights. It’s about deterrence, too.”

    Wike reiterated that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, no community, no sector, and no Nigerian will be left behind.

  • FCTA bus terminals will curb ‘one chance’ menace – Wike

    FCTA bus terminals will curb ‘one chance’ menace – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the ongoing construction of three bus terminals as critical infrastructure that will check ‘one chance’ menace when in operation.  

    Wike said this on Tuesday after inspecting two of the three bus terminal projects and access road to Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal under construction in Dakibiyu, Abuja.

    Recall that the Wike-led FCT Administration had in 2024 awarded contracts for the construction of bus and taxi terminals in Mabushi, Central Area and Kugbo Districts of Abuja.

    The minister, who inspected the Mabushi and Kugbo bus terminal projects, expressed joy that President Bola Tinubu administration was providing such critical transportation infrastructure.

    He explained that the facility would not only take commuters away from the road to the terminals to board buses and taxis, but also to ensure safety and security.

    Wike said: “That, of course, will limit the incidence of “one chance”, criminals who posed as drivers to snatch passengers of their valuables.

    “So that’s the sense of building these terminals, and also to clean up the city so we don’t have buses all over the road, turning every roadside to a motor park.

    “We are happy that we’re providing this kind of infrastructure. You will agree with me that the bus terminal is a basic intervention for us to change our transport system.

    “We’re quite impressed with what we have seen. I commend the contractors for a job well done. We will try as much as we can to make sure that the projects were delivered within the agreed timeline”.

    Wike said that the bus terminals, when completed and become operational, would sanitize the city’s transportation system.

    Speaking on the road network in Dakibiyu, the minister expressed confidence that the road project would be part of the line-up of projects for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

    Read Also: Fubara came to me with two APC governors, says Wike

    Wike assured FCT residents of the commitment of Tinubu-led government to provide first class infrastructure that they deserve to live a quality life.

    The FCT Minister also acknowledged improvements at the Mabushi bus terminal following his previous concerns about the finishing and commended the contractor for their responsiveness.

    He said; “There is an improvement, and I commend the contractor. When we went there the last time, I shouted at them that I’m not happy with the finishing. From what I have seen now, there are a lot of improvements”.

    Speaking on the date for the commissioning of projects to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year in office, the Minister said the President will determine the dates based on his convenience.

    Wike clarified that while the projects were slated for inauguration during the anniversary period, they will not necessarily be commissioned on May 29.

    According to the Minister; “The President can give us a date as part of the anniversary. It does not mean that everything must be done on May 29. We have specific dates, pending the approval and convenience of Mr. President. You can’t commission the whole project on May 29. I have said that it will take us two weeks to commission the completed projects”.

    Wike attributed the successful funding of projects in the FCT to prudent resource management and the support of the President, adding that the FCT Administration will only award contracts based on the availability of resources.

    He said; “We don’t just go and award contracts for the sake of awarding contracts. We award contracts based on the resources we have, and with the little taxes we are collecting. And with the support that Mr. President has given, we are able to prioritize our expenditure”.

  • Bus terminal: FCTA providing critical transport infrastructure in FCT – Wike

    Bus terminal: FCTA providing critical transport infrastructure in FCT – Wike

     The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has described the ongoing construction of three bus and taxi terminals as critical infrastructure to improve FCT’s transportation system.

    Wike stated this after he inspected two of the three bus terminal projects and access road to Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal under construction in Dakibiyu, Abuja on Tuesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Wike-led FCT Administration had in 2024 awarded contracts for the construction of bus and tax terminals in Mabushi, Central Area and Kugbo.

    The minister, who inspected the Mabushi and Kugbo bus terminal projects, expressed joy that President Bola Tinubu administration was providing such critical transportation infrastructure.

    “We are happy that we’re providing this kind of infrastructure.

    Read Also: Fubara came to me with two APC governors, says Wike

    “You will agree with me that the bus terminal is a basic intervention for us to change our transport system.

    “We’re quite impressed with what we have seen. I commend the contractors for a job well done.

    “We will try as much as we can to make sure that the projects were delivered within the agreed timeline,” he said.

    Wike said that the bus terminals, when completed and become operational, would sanitise the city’s transportation system.

    He explained that the facility would not only take commuters away from the road to the terminals to board buses and taxis, but also to ensure safety and security.

    “That, of course, will limit the incidence of “one chance”, criminals who posed as drivers to snatch passengers of their valuables.

    “So that’s the sense of building these terminals, and also to clean up the city so we don’t have buses all over the road, turning every roadside to a motor park,” the minister said.

    Speaking on the road network in Dakibiyu, the minister expressed confidence that the road project would be part of the line-up of projects for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in Office.

    Wike assured FCT residents of the commitment of Tinubu-led government to provide first class infrastructure that they deserve to live a quality life.

    (NAN)

  • Wike to withhold Area Councils’ allocation over teachers’ strike

    Wike to withhold Area Councils’ allocation over teachers’ strike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has announced plans by the FCT Administration to withhold 10 percent of the statutory allocation to the FCT Area Councils over the non-payment of minimum wage to primary school teachers in the FCT.

    This decision is in response to the ongoing strike by the teachers due to the non-payment of the new minimum wage by the Area Councils.

    Speaking on a live media chat monitored by our correspondent in Abuja, Wike expressed disappointment over the situation, stating that it was unfortunate that the primary school teachers had to resort to strike action to press for their entitlement.

    The Minister said he had engaged with the Council Chairmen at the commencement of the strike to understand the reasons for their inability to pay, adding that he directed that funds should be released to them to facilitate the payment of the new minimum wage, describing the continued strike as embarrassing.

    Wike further emphasised his limitations in directly intervening in the affairs of the elected Area Council Chairmen but asserted his responsibility to protect the welfare of FCT residents, particularly the education of children.

    He said: “I have limits; I cannot sack them because they are elected. Therefore, I have taken the step to withhold 10 percent of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)”.

    He said a committee will be established to ensure that the teachers are paid directly as funds are released.

    Addressing concerns about contravening the autonomy of Local Government Areas, the Minister firmly stated: “Do you want me to fold arms and allow our children to be at home because you want LGA autonomy?

    “You see now, you see the problem that we have now? We are talking about autonomy now. The money has been released to you as allowed, yet you are depriving people of their wages, and then you want me to fold my arms and allow our children to be at home because you want to have local government autonomy? No!”

    Read Also: Wike attends PDP leaders’ meeting in Abuja

    Beyond the pressing issue of the teachers’ strike, Wike also outlined significant plans to commemorate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second year anniversary with the unveiling of several completed infrastructure projects.

    He revealed that he had briefed the President on the readiness of these projects, suggesting that it would take two weeks to inaugurate them all.

    Notable projects slated for commissioning, according to the Minister, include roads in Ketti, Takushara, A2 to Pai, Ushafa, and War College areas, spanning across four Area Councils.

    The Minister also stated that numerous projects within the city will also be inaugurated, including the long-overdue renovation of the International Conference Centre (ICC).

    He described the ICC’s condition prior to the renovation as an “eyesore” and highlighted the President’s commitment to addressing such issues.

    The Minister added that a maintenance contract has been signed with Julius Berger, with costs to be covered by revenue generated by the fully commercialized facility.

    Speaking on plans for the provision of water to satellite towns, the Minister said a partnership has been formed with Chinese overseas construction giant, CGC, to extend water supply to satellite towns, starting with Bwari, Kubwa, and Karu, in line with the President’s directive.

    He assured that funding for these projects has been allocated in the national and statutory budgets, with a commitment to providing water to these areas within the next two years.  

    On streetlights, the Minister disclosed that enhanced security measures, including CCTV cameras with security features, have been put in place to combat vandalism of streetlights and ensure the arrest of perpetrators. He added that the administration was undertaking additional procurement processes to ensure the provision of streetlights for road projects that were initially awarded without them.

    On the welfare of FCT Workers, the Minister affirmed that workers in the FCT were being paid promptly and adequately motivated.

    However, he stated his refusal to approve funding for non-essential overseas training, even if budgeted, and indicated his intention to request the National Assembly to reallocate such funds to more critical needs.

    Furthermore, the Minister addressed concerns regarding land administration, open grazing, and the recent changes at the IBB Golf and Country Club.

    He affirmed the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability, warning against corrupt practices and emphasizing the need to uphold the rule of law. 

    Wike who also opened up on his relationship with the nation’s first Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, extolled her virtues, describing her as a humble and supportive partner in the President’s drive to achieve success for his administration.

    He said; “If you are not close to people, you won’t know how humble they are, how supportive they are. I can tell you the truth that this is a First Lady of a different kind.”

    Wike also emphasized the First Lady’s thoughtful nature, recounting her personal calls to thank him for completed road projects and to suggest enhancements to Abuja’s City Gate.

    He stressed that her actions demonstrated a sincere interest in national development and the administration’s achievements. According to the FCT Minister, her contributions are instrumental in fostering a successful government, and her humility sets her apart.

  • Wike warns PDP against dangerous political miscalculations in 2027

    Wike warns PDP against dangerous political miscalculations in 2027

    …says Fubara’s peace moves yet to meet desired conditions

    Ahead of the 2027 general election, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory Minister (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is yet to learn from the miscalculations that made it lose out in the last election.

    He cited the tussle over the party’s national secretaryship as one of such glaring mistakes pointing out that any wise political observer knows that allowing Senator Sam Anyanwu to remain as secretary until the party holds a valid national convention is the best joker.

    As part of the self-revival strategy, the PDP on Monday added 39 fresh members to its Board of Trustees (BoT).

    Over 50 percent of members of the board have become inactive as 85 out of 127 PDP BoT members hardly attend meetings.

    Chairman of the board, Adulphus Wabara, stressed the importance of the inauguration of the new member as he stated that it is, “particularly significant as we prepare to navigate the evolving political landscape and work tirelessly to restore the PDP as the foremost party in Nigeria. The task ahead is demanding, but with unity, determination, and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy, we shall overcome”.

    The inauguration of more members aimed at reenergizing the board amid rising internal challenges.

    Section 31(5) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended) mandates the BoT to work as the conscience of the party, responsible for maintaining high standards of morality and image, advising on policy direction, mediating disputes, and safeguarding party assets.

    On Sunday, PDP’s Governors Forum set up a special committee led by former President of the Senate, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, to do a final reconciliation work to facilitate a hitch-free meeting of its National Executive Committee (NEC) on May, 27, 2025

    The FCT Minister, who spoke during a live media chat monitored by our correspondent observed that holding a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) without a valid secretary could jeopardize its political existence because the Supreme Court had already set aside the appeal court judgement that sacked Anyanwu

    “I will challenge the outcome of any meeting of NEC held without Anyanwu serving as secretary” he said.

    According to Wike, the PDP must be careful not to run into similar traps it entered before the 2023 election when it produced the National chairman and presidential candidate from the same region.

    Warning PDP leaders about the consequences of what he called “exclusionary politics and internal manipulation”, Wike said, “If PDP doesn’t take care, watch out for what will happen because selfish interest can kill an organization. You haven’t won an election, but you are excluding people.”

    According to him, the same miscalculations that cost the PDP dearly in 2023 are being repeated.

    “You want to play the same game you played in 2023; it will backfire. I have told people that this smartness will not help you. Wike is telling you now to stop this smartness.

    He refused to make disclosures on decisions reached at the PDP Governors and stakeholders meeting on Sunday night simply said he wished PDP well.

    The FCT Minister accused the PDP leadership of tolerating impunity and failing to function like a serious opposition party ready to challenge the ruling APC.

    He said, “No opposition party allows impunity; it’s only the ruling party. The opposition is going to organize itself to take over the affairs of government. How many times have they made efforts? How many people have you wooed? Rather, they are after Wike; they abandoned what they are supposed to do – the only crime is that Wike is a minister under the APC government”.

    Listing his own achievements, Wike said, “I’m the only former governor who did not support the presidential candidate but made sure PDP won 100 percent in the governorship, State Assembly, and National Assembly. Let any sitting governor or former governor come out to say that happened in their states.”

    He expressed deep concern over what he described as the party’s self-inflicted wounds and leadership failure.

    “Leadership is key, if you don’t show the right leadership, you will suffer for it, and this is what I have been saying,” Wike stated, lamenting what he perceives as a vacuum of strategic direction in the party.

    He criticized the backlash faced by the current governor of Delta State and his predecessor over their political choices, particularly the decision to support President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.

    Wike said, “When people talk about the governor of Delta State and his predecessor moving out of PDP to APC, what wrong did he do? That he said he was going to support Tinubu, that was the crime.”

    He further questioned the silence over similar political alignments within the PDP itself.

    “But the Chairman of the BoT, who is the conscience of the party, adopted Otti for a second tenure. Why are people not commenting about that?

    The Chairman of PDP BoT adopted Alex Otti, governor under Labour Party, for a second tenure.”

    He accused the PDP leadership of tolerating impunity and failing to function like a serious opposition party ready to challenge the ruling APC.

    Wike said, “No opposition party allows impunity; it’s only the ruling party. The opposition is going to organize itself to take over the affairs of government.

    How many times have they made efforts? How many people have you wooed? Rather, they are after Wike; they abandoned what they are supposed to do – the only crime is that Wike is a minister under the APC government.”

    Highlighting his own contributions, Wike reminded the party of his political strength during the 2023 general elections.

    He said, “I’m the only former governor who did not support the presidential candidate but made sure PDP won 100 percent in the governorship, State Assembly, and National Assembly. Let any sitting governor or former governor come out to say that happened in their states.”

    He issued a stern warning to PDP leaders about the consequences of exclusionary politics and internal manipulation.

    Read Also: Wike attends PDP leaders’ meeting in Abuja

    The minister said, “If PDP doesn’t take care, watch out for what will happen because selfish interest can kill an organization. You haven’t won an election, but you are excluding people.”

    The FCT Minister also provided insight into the peace parley he had with the suspended Governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara, saying the latter had come to visit him, accompanied by two governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    He declared that Fubara did not show capacity to make peace, adding that; “I told him I don’t think you really have the capacity to make this peace”.

    According to the minister, Fubara cannot be suing for peace while his lieutenants are busy all over television stations abusing others.

    He said the suspended governor, apart from meeting him, must take steps to meet other stakeholders like the State Assembly, the Party, and other stakeholders for peace to reign.

    Wike also described the defection of Ifeanyi Okowa, former Governor of Delta State, to the APC as a smart move.

    Wike, who described Okowa as a smart politician, said he was surprised that the PDP didn’t see his defection coming.

    The minister said Okowa did not want to live in pretence, supporting President Bola Tinubu while still in the PDP.

    He said, “If you don’t show leadership, you suffer for it.

    “This is what I’ve been saying. When people talk about the governor of Delta State and his deputy and all his team moved out of PDP to APC. What? What wrong did he do?

    “I’m surprised that PDP said they didn’t see it coming. I won’t call the names of the governors. I call them. I said, ‘Listen, the way things are going, I have warned you people’. You said they are governors. I have no problem. Let’s see what will happen.”

  • Rivers Crisis: Fubara visited me with two APC Govs – Wike

    Rivers Crisis: Fubara visited me with two APC Govs – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday confirmed a meeting with the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.

    Wike said Fubara came to his house with two All Progressives Congress (APC), governors. 

    The minister disclosed this during a live media chart monitored by our correspondent. 

    Wike disclosed that he welcomed Fubara but asked him to take necessary steps to implement peace.

    He said he told Fubara he doesn’t have the capacity to govern the state, adding that he felt bad over Fubara’s statement on Sunday during a programme held for the late Edwin Clark.

    Read Also: Wike attends PDP leaders’ meeting in Abuja

    Wike said Fubara has to make attempts to make peace with the Rivers State House of Assembly and key stakeholders. 

    The Minister said he feels for Fubara, saying he should not have been in this situation if he had not listened to people who pushed him into wrong actions.

    The suspended governor, Wike said should have think twice before his actions.

    Details shortly…

  • Only the blind will accuse Tinubu of non-performance – Wike

    Only the blind will accuse Tinubu of non-performance – Wike

    • Minister says he’s happy to be identified with President

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will unveil completed infrastructure projects within a two-week period to celebrate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second anniversary.

    FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike disclosed this in Abuja yesterday  while briefing reporters shortly after inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in the Abuja city center.

    The former Rivers State governor said only the blind will accuse Tinubu of non-performance.

    Wike said the projects to be inaugurated cut across the Abuja city centre, the satellite towns and the rural areas, reflecting the FCTA’s commitment to inclusive development.

    Key projects slated for commissioning, according to the minister, include the Arterial Road N16, connecting Maitama and Katampe districts, the 16-kilometer OSEX II to Wasa service carriageway, linking Apo and Wasa districts, the Arterial Road N5 from Lifecamp Junction to Ring Road III, the renovated International Conference Centre (ICC), the Greater Abuja Water project and various rural roads.

    The minister said the commissioning of the projects will take two weeks, highlighting the magnitude of development achieved so far.

    According to the minister; “By next week, we will be able to provide all the projects that will be inaugurated during Mr. President’s second year in office. The Arterial Road N16 is one of them, OSEX to Wasa junction is also one of them. The International Conference is another one. The N5 from Lifecamp junction to Ring Road III is another one. So, we will have so many roads, both rural, satellite towns and the city. Even the Greater Abuja Water project will also be another one that will be inaugurated. So, we have a lot of projects. It will take us about two weeks to inaugurate most of the projects.”

    Wike attributed these achievements to the exemplary leadership of President Tinubu, stressing that he is proud to align with the President’s vision, which, he said, has brought first-class infrastructure to the FCT.

    Read Also: Wike announces two-week project commissioning for Tinubu’s second anniversary

    The minister added that the Renewed Hope Agenda is working in the FCT, stressing that the transformation in the nation’s capital was clear for all to see and thanked the President for the opportunity to deliver the dividends of democracy to FCT residents.

    He said; “I’m happy to identify with the leadership of Mr. President and that is what Nigeria needs. Mr. President has given first class infrastructure to Abuja. All of you can attest to the fact that indeed, Abuja has really changed and so we are happy for it and we want to thank God Almighty for providing the right leadership through Mr. President, to provide the dividends of democracy to the residents of Abuja. I don’t see why anybody will say Mr. President has not done well, except you are just blind. Except, you don’t want to admit something that you know that is good. We are happy that we have fulfilled the promises we have made”.

    Speaking on the projects inspected, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the contractor, China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), on the OSEX II to Wasa carriageway and the Arterial Road N16. He also noted the positive reception from residents, especially traders along the OSEX II to Wasa route.

    The minister urged residents to take ownership of the infrastructure projects and protect them against vandalism.

    He said; “These projects are for the benefit of all, and we must work together to safeguard them”.

    The Minister also outlined plans for further development, including expanding water provision to satellite towns in Bwari, Karu, and Kubwa, continuing road construction and rehabilitation within the city, renovation of schools and enhancement of security measures.

    He reiterated the commitment of the FCT Administration to provide the necessary infrastructure and ensure their sustainability in the FCT.

    Wike said; “Our priority is to improve the quality of life for all FCT residents, and we are dedicated to delivering projects that meet their needs and expectations”.

  • 2nd anniversary: Apo-Wassa Road ready for inauguration – Wike

    2nd anniversary: Apo-Wassa Road ready for inauguration – Wike

    Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says the 15-kilometre Apo to Wassa road project is ready for inauguration to celebrate President Bola Tinubu’s second anniversary.

    Wike stated this in Abuja on Saturday, after he inspected the project and others in preparation for Tinubu’s second anniversary at the end of May.

    The 15-kilometre left wing service lane of the Outer Southern Expressway, from Ring Road I to Wassa Junction, was awarded to ease traffic congestion and open up Wassa District for development.

    The minister said that the road, which had been completed, was among several projects being concluded for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.

    He commended the contractor, China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC), for fulfilling its promise of making the road ready for inauguration in May.

    Wike equally inspected the ongoing construction of the N16 Interchange at NICON Junction and the road project that passes through Gishiri village to link Maitama and Katampe Districts to Wole Soyinka Way.

    He lauded the pace of the projects and expressed optimism that they would be completed and be part of several others that would be inaugurated by the end of May.

    “By next week, we will be able to provide all the projects that will be inaugurated to celebrate Tinubu’s second anniversary.

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    “This is one of them, OSEX to Wassa is also one of them; the Abuja International Conference Centre is another one. So many roads.

    “The Phase I of Obafemi Awolowo Way (N5) from Life Camp Junction to Ring Road III is another one – so many road projects both in satellite towns and the city.

    “Even the Greater Abuja Water Supply project will also be inaugurated.

    “It will take us about two weeks to inaugurate most of our projects,” he said.

    The minister said that more people-oriented projects were underway in the FCT and its satellite towns, stressing that more roads would be constructed and many schools renovated.

    He added that the FCT Administration would particularly do more to improve security in the territory.

    Wike commended residents for the support so far and urged them to continue by taking ownership of the infrastructure being provided and protecting them from vandals.

    “On our part, we will do everything we can to ensure that all facilities and infrastructure provided are protected,” Wike said.

    (NAN)