Tag: Wike

…as Senate President flags off construction of Kugbo Bus Terminal

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday, July 2, commended President Bola Tinubu for giving the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike freehand to operate.

Akpabio said the decision has given Wike the confidence to restore Abuja to its original master plan

The Senate president said this when he officially flagged off the construction of the Kugbo Bus Terminal in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Akpabio described the project as: “A significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance the infrastructure and public transportation system of the capital city of our beloved country.”

Akpabio said: “This event is a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance the infrastructure and public transportation system of the capital city of our beloved country.

“The development of these bus terminals is more than just a construction project; it is a testament to the good works and commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s government to the progress and modernization of Nigeria.

“This terminal will serve as a vital hub that will facilitate the efficient movement of people, reduce traffic congestion and improve the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike in the city.

“The Kugbo Bus Terminal is designed to be a state-of-the-art facility, equipped with modern amenities to ensure comfort, safety, and convenience for all users.

“They will provide a structured and organized environment for our public transportation system, promoting greater efficiency and reliability.

“This project aligns with a broader vision for Abuja as a model city, not just within Nigeria, but across the entire African continent. A well-organized public transportation system is the backbone of any thriving metropolis, and with these terminals, we are laying a solid foundation for sustainable urban development.”

He lauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike for the remarkable strides he made within a period of one year in transforming the capital into a modern city with efficient infrastructure.

Akpabio recalled the recent commissioning of several projects in the Federal Capital Territory Recently by his administration.

He commended the minister for his efforts to upgrade transportation networks, construct abandoned roads, enhance public services, and develop state-of-the-art facilities which, he said, are visible and have been widely praised.

The Senate President said these infrastructural developments would attract both investors and tourists thereby making Abuja a prime destination for business, public service and leisure.

He stated: “The minister’s commitment to these developments has earned commendations from supporters and critics alike, highlighting the positive impact of his initiatives on the city’s growth and modernization.

“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all those who are working tirelessly with him to bring Abuja back to the original plan as conceived by previous leaders. Let it be made known to you that your dedication and hard work are instrumental in driving our nation forward”.

Akpabio said: “The restoration is manifesting daily and the flag off of this construction of Kugbo Bus Terminal is a testament that FCT will soon be better than many capital cities of developed countries.

“I seek the continued collaboration of the stakeholders and residents to ensure that these facilities are protected from theft and destruction. It is our collective responsibility to protect what belongs to us as the monies used for these projects belong to you and me as citizens of Nigeria.

 “May I use this opportunity to appeal to the contractor to ensure that this project is completed on time and to the highest standards of quality? We must and should build a public transportation system that we can all be proud of.

“I want to reiterate this present government’s unwavering dedication to the development of infrastructure that meets the needs of our growing population. The Kugbo Bus Terminals represent a significant step in this direction, and I am confident that they will serve as catalysts for further development and prosperity in Abuja and beyond”.

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, thanked the President of the Senate, for accepting to personally flag off the project.

Read Also: Wike threatens to unseat Abuja federal lawmaker in 2027

He also thanked the chairmen of the Senate and House Committee of FCT for their support through funding in the 2024 Appropriation Act.

According to him, “The Terminal we are flagging off today, is not only for those who can afford it, it is also for those who cannot afford it. When completed in the next 12 to 15 months, the safety of commuters will be highly guaranteed, because it would bring an end to the incessant cases of “One Chance”, which has in the last few months led to the untimely death of unsuspecting residents in the FCT”.

Wike assured that the project would be completed and ready for use in record time, as those who would be saddled with the running of the parks were already working and planning towards its take-off.

 He said: “The project when completed would be operated by a private body, not the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). We will ensure that whatever is obtainable in developed countries in the sectors would be done here to enhance patronage and confidence.”

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday, July 1, vowed to unseat the senator Representing FCT in the National Assembly, Ireti Kingibe.

Wike said this at the official flag-off ceremony of the construction of Mabushi Bus Terminal in Abuja.

Wike, who did not mention the name of the federal lawmaker, warned the lawmaker to stop criticising his successes as FCT minister.     

Senator Kingibe from the Labour Party appeared on Arise TV on Monday complaining that she was being sidelined in the running of the FCT.

Kingibe particularly claimed that her constituency was being marginalized, adding that there was no clean water for the residents of Abuja.

She also said that roads being constructed across the FCT were not addressing the needs of the majority of the people, namely healthcare, water, education, and security.

Replying to the Senator, Wike said he overheard somebody, a lawmaker in the National Assembly on Arise TV in the morning, castigating the successes being recorded in FCT.

The minister said that the lawmaker particularly criticized the rot in schools and the absence of quality hospitals in the territory.

“You, as a legislator, what have you done?  How many bills have you sponsored for us to improve our education and health sector?

Read Also: Wike resolves 15-year-old Apo mechanic crisis

“I challenge that legislator. If you are very popular, in 2027 come and run under Abuja, we will fail you.

“Do you think that what happened last time will happen again? It will not happen again.

“Luckily for me, I am the FCT Minister now. So that is my territory and I’m not afraid,” he said.

He further said: “With all due respect, what you don’t know, you don’t know, what you know you know. The good thing for you is to tell people you don’t know when you don’t know, then people will educate you.

“The Honourable Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, and my humble self, have not been in office for more than 11 months and the person is angry that people are praising us.

“If you don’t want to or you are angry about that, go and hang yourself in a transformer.

“If we have done well; we have done well. If we haven’t done well; we haven’t done well. I’m proud to say that in the short time that President Tinubu has appointed us, we have done well.”

The minister warned that if the Senator is angry with the praises they were receiving for doing a good job, adding that: “by next year, your blood pressure level will go very high. This is because the praises you would see would be too much”.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Monday fumed over the allocation of land meant for a bus terminal in the Central Business District, Abuja.

Wike, who made the complaint at the inauguration of the construction of Mabushi Bus Terminal, Phase I, in Abuja, described the action as a gross distortion of the Abuja Master Plan.

He explained that FCTA decided to build three terminals, one each in the Central Business District, Mabushi and Kugbo, to ensure a secure and convenient travel experience for commuters in FCT.

He, however, said that the land designated for the bus terminal in the Central Business District, where a train track was expected to pass through had been allocated to somebody.

“When we went there to start preparation for the inauguration project last Tuesday, I received a text that I had taken somebody’s land, and I was surprised.

“In fact, in that text message, the person said, ‘after his sacrifices and inputs to the party, is this what he will suffer?”.

“When I enquired, we found out that the place has been given out and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) had been signed, even consent judgement has been entered between FCTA and the person,” he said.

He explained that he directed that the Mabushi location should be used for the inauguration of the terminal project, pending when the issue would be resolved.

He said that leadership was all about taking decisions, noting that in taking decisions, not everybody would be happy, but a decision must be taken.

“This is just to let people know some of the things we face; how the Master Plan of FCT has been distorted.

“When you want to make a decision, so many people will be angry and when you are complaining, they won’t come with sincere facts; they will come with distorted facts,” he said.

The minister said that Abuja was supposed to be one of the best cities in the world but lacked the necessary infrastructure for the city to be a first-class city.

He particularly pointed out that a city like Abuja does not have bus and taxi terminals, thereby forcing people on the road and taxis all over the place.

This, according to him, is contributing to the level of insecurity in the territory, including the proliferation of “one chance” criminal elements.

He explained that the construction of the bus and taxi terminals was part of efforts to reduce the level of insecurity under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“To reduce insecurity, we made a proposal to the National Assembly explaining that part of the security problem we are facing is because we have not been able to know who the people operating taxis and buses in FCT are and where they are loading from.

“One of the things that people don’t understand about the Renewed Hope Agenda, is that it is not just about human capital development; it is also about empowerment of our people.” he said.

In her remarks, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the bus terminal project as a journey towards a more connected and efficient Abuja.

“It is my candid hope that we will build not just terminals, but pathways to progress and prosperity,” she said.

Inaugurating the project, Mr Tajudeen Abass, Speaker of the House of Representatives, described the construction of the Mabushi Bus Terminal as a critical step towards enhancing transportation infrastructure in the FCT.

Abass argued that the project, when completed, would enable residents to commute safely and efficiently.

Read Also: Tinubu’s choice of Wike as FCT minister justified, says Speaker Abbas

He added that the project would not only improve accessibility but also contribute significantly to the overall economic vitality of Abuja.

The speaker described FCT as a strategic and important capital city of Nigeria and must be equipped with modern infrastructure to support its key role.

“This includes developing robust road networks, fostering economic mobility, and providing essential social infrastructure and amenities.

“Abuja’s population is rapidly expanding, and we must anticipate and prepare for this growth to ensure that the city can efficiently accommodate its residents’ needs,” he said.

(NAN)

…flags-off construction of Mabushi Bus Terminal in Abuja

Speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen on Monday, July 1, said the success recorded by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has Justified President Bola Tinubu’s appointment.  

The minister’s achievements, Tajudeen said, have set a new standard for urban development in Nigeria.

The speaker spoke at the official flag-off ceremony of the construction of the Mabushi Bus Terminal held in Abuja.

He said proactive planning is needed to maintain Abuja’s status, adding that the government must anticipate and prepare for the growth to ensure that the city can efficiently accommodate its residents’ needs.

Tajudeen said he is confident that the FCT minister will achieve even greater milestones in the coming months and years.

He said Wike’s unwavering commitment and results-oriented focus should inspire and serve as a role model for other political officeholders.

The speaker said: “This event underscores the remarkable synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government, reflecting our unwavering commitment to delivering good governance, enhancing infrastructure, and stimulating economic growth for the benefit of residents of the FCT and Nigerians wherever they reside.

“The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is strategically important as the capital city of Nigeria, and we must equip it with modern infrastructure to support its key role. This includes developing robust road networks, fostering economic mobility, and providing essential social infrastructure and amenities. Abuja’s population is rapidly expanding, and we must anticipate and prepare for this growth to ensure that the city can efficiently accommodate its residents’ needs.

“Proactive planning and investment in infrastructure are essential to maintaining the city’s status as a thriving hub of activity and development. Road networks and functional bus terminals are the lifeblood of modern cities. They facilitate the seamless movement of people, goods, and services, thereby fostering economic interaction and growth.

“The construction of the Mabushi Bus Terminal is a critical step towards enhancing transportation infrastructure in the FCT and ensuring that residents can commute safely and efficiently. This project will not only improve accessibility but also contribute significantly to the overall economic vitality of Abuja.

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend the exemplary leadership and vision of the Minister of the FCT, Hon. Nyesom Wike. In a remarkably short period, he has spearheaded the transformation of Abuja, completing numerous strategic road and infrastructure projects with remarkable speed and efficiency. His dedication and commitment have made Abuja a more modern and dynamic city, often leaving even long-term residents pleasantly surprised by the rapid developments.

“I am particularly impressed by the Minister’s holistic approach to development, which extends beyond the nucleus of the city to encompass the Area Councils. This inclusive strategy promotes balanced growth and development and ensures that the infrastructure and economic advancements reach all communities, thereby enhancing the quality of life for all residents. The approach also underscores the importance of equitable development in building a truly modern and thriving capital.

“Overall, the successes recorded by the Minister justify the wise decision of the President, His Excellency Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, to entrust Wike with this vital portfolio. The Minister’s achievements have set a new standard for urban development in Nigeria, and his efforts deserve our highest praise.

“Honourable Minister, as we continue preparing Abuja to compete with the world’s leading cities, I wish to offer some recommendations for sustaining this momentum. The first relates to integrating advanced technology in urban planning and management is crucial. Smart city initiatives can enhance the efficiency of services and improve the quality of life for residents. Furthermore, expanding public-private partnerships would attract investment and expertise, driving further infrastructure development”.

The National Assembly, Tajudeen said, is ready to support the Minister by enacting favourable legislation, ensuring adequate funding, and providing oversight to ensure that projects are completed on time and to the highest standards.

The FCT minister, Nyesom Wike expressed displeasure over the lack of a bus terminal in the nation’s capital.

The decision to build a bus terminal, Wike said, will help solve the issue of insecurity and boost the economy.

 The minister assured that the construction of the bus terminal will be part of projects that President Bola Tinubu would commission in 2025.

Wike said: “This is supposed to be one of the best cities in the world. This is supposed to be a first-class city but how can it be one of the best cities in the world when the infrastructures that make that kind of city are not available? It will be difficult. A first-class cannot be actualized when the infrastructures are not present.

“A city like Abuja does not have a Bus and Taxi terminal. You will see taxis all over the place and that of course, is part of our insecurity problems. So many people talk about one chance, why won’t there be one chance when you don’t even know the man whose bus or taxi you are entering?

“So, under the Renewed Hope Agenda and in order to reduce the level of insecurity, we made a proposal and we said part of the problems we are having is because we don’t know who are these people who are plying these buses and taxis, and where they load from.

Read Also: Wike resolves 15-year-old Apo mechanic crisis

“We said what gives comfort to our people? And so we decided we must start with three bus terminals. One each in the Central Business District, Mabushi, and Kugbo. But unfortunately, we had a problem in the Central Business District location because there was a distortion of the Abuja Master Plan. The land which was earmarked for the Bus terminal and where the trains would pass through had been allocated out and C of O had been given out.

“So when we went there to start this flag off which was last week Tuesday after the Executive Council meeting, I had a text that I had taken somebody’s land and I was surprised. So when I enquired, we found out that the location’s C of O had been signed, even a Consent judgment between FCT and people. The point I’m trying to make is that leadership is all about making decisions and in making decisions everybody will not be happy but what is important is that the decision has been taken. In fact, in that text that was sent to me, the person said “After his sacrifices and inputs to the party, is this what he will suffer?

“When you want to make a decision, so many people will be angry and you are complaining, they won’t come up with sincere facts. I believe this is part of the second anniversary of Mr. President in May, 2025.”

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has resolved the over 15-year-old crisis of Apo mechanics village.

The Coordinator of Abuja Municipal Management Council (AMMC), Chief Felix Obuah, settled the crisis on behalf of the Minister.  

In a meeting with 17 recognised unions and 16 others, Obuah announced to the mechanics and traders in the affected areas Wike has approved a land in Wassa community of Abuja for relocation of all affected people. 

Speaking with reporters after the meeting Obuah said: “This issue of Apo Mechanics and traders has lasted for over 15 years, I am just three months old in this office and we have settled the issue, today they are happy, they are smiling and we are smiling.

“Over 50 unions that have been quarrelling, I have reduced them to four and they are happy. I’ve been able to bring everybody together, all the noise has died down. 

“We’ve decided to relocate all the traders on the road corridor, buffer zone and the right of way to Wassa any moment from now and they are all happy.  

Read Also: Wike, Yusuf, others clinch THISNIGERIA gold prize award

“As I speak to you, the Minister had given approval, even the task force to affect the movement bus being set up.  We have enough space, as a matter of fact, I can accommodate as much as they are genuine.  The enumeration team to verify them is already on ground, it will not be a situation when one man will bring his family member.  

“The Minister has given a marching order and we have to follow it judiciously without compromise. In less than one month, we will relocate them. Where we are taking them is a permanent place.”

Obuah explained that enumeration would be thorough and that the traders and mechanics provide their NIN for the allocation to stall double registration. 

The AMMC Coordinator made it clear that the allocations would be for individuals, not unions, but that he would need the unions to get the job done. 

• Abdulsalami Abubakar to chair lecture

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, Governors Abba Yusuf (Kano) and Umo Eno (Akw Ibom) will be awarded the THISNIGERIA Gold Prize award at the second annual lecture and Gold Prize Award themed ‘25 Years of Nigeria’s Unbroken Democracy – Prospects and Possibilities’.

While Wike will be awarded for his ‘Infrastructural revolution and Exceptional Leadership’, Yusuf will go home with the ‘Courage in Leadership’ award and Eno award for ‘Peace Building and Innovative Leadership’.

The event will hold on June 27 at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja. It will be chaired by former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Speakers at the event are Prof. Mike Ozekhome, (SAN); Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, Senator Shehu Sani and Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi.

According to the publisher of THISNIGERIA, Eric Osagie, this year’s edition ‘aims to celebrate and critically examine Nigeria’s quarter-century of uninterrupted democratic governance, discussing its future prospects and possibilities.

Read Also: Wike, Yusuf, Aremu, other win ThisNigeria gold prize awards

“The Gold Prize Award will be presented to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the country’s democratic development. Our 2024 Awardees are persons who made the critical difference in the discharge of their duties, with uncommon zeal and commitment to the common good of the citizens and the country.”

A survey conducted by Public Sector Performance Index (PSPI), on behalf of the newspaper, said Wike has, within eight months of his tour of duty, witnessed remarkable turnaround in infrastructural renewal, aggressive pursuit of developments across the territories that make up the FCT.

Some leaders from the Southern part of the country have enjoined President Bola Tinubu to “ignore enemies” and other political detractors allegedly out to frustrate the efforts of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the leaders who are members of Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria (CNPDN), said the appointment of Wike by President Tinubu is one the best decisions of the current administration.

They maintained that the FCT Minister has achieved in nine months, what some former Ministers couldn’t in eight years.

The National Coordinator of the Southern movement, Chief Raphael Okorie, who read the text of the l briefing, also begged Nigerians to remain patient with Tinubu, as he tries to fix the economy, restore security and provide the needed relief to everyone in the country.

Okorie said: “Wike has done a lot in just nine months. We know that there are people who want to distract him. But he has ignored them. He’s not even bothered about the crisis in Rivers State. He’s busy with developing Abuja.

“In nine months as FCT Minister, he has transformed the Territory. We want to assure him that we’re with him and we stand behind him to succeed as Minister. We urge him to ignore those trying to distract him from replicating the wonders he performed in Rivers State in FCT.

“We have taken our time to assess the performance of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Wike. There is no doubt that they are set to deliver the dividends of the Renewed Hope Agenda expeditiously as promised.

Read Also: Wike intensifies grassroots healthcare service delivery with free medical outreach

“From rapid infrastructure development to a stabilising economy, there is no doubt that Nigeria is on the part of recovery.

“Hitherto, we micromanaged the value of the naira against other currencies of the world, which had completely stunted infrastructural development. The international community couldn’t invest in Nigeria because of inconsistent policies and undue interference by government in the affairs of the private sector.

“Confidence in our economy that hit its highest under the Jonathan administration was completely eroded and foreign direct investments were near zero.

“Today we have attained relative and realistic stability in the management of the naira, and FDI is growing by the day.

“The private sector is getting the required support to grow and produce what we consume. Local content is being seriously encouraged and the government has opened its doors to all Nigerians to build an all-inclusive country where no Nigerian is shortchanged by those that have invaded to destroy our dear nation.”

Continuing, he added: “Our praises also go to Mr. Project, Ezenwo  Nyesom Wike for proving Mr. President is right in appointing you as the Minister of the Nation’s capital, Abuja.

“Your performance is unprecedented, and we salute your courage, determination,  and output in these nine months. Before the appointment of Wike as FCT Minister, insecurity was a major problem. In less than six months, he addressed the issue head-on.

“Today, the entire territory is relatively safe. We are not there yet, but with Wike in charge, we are optimistic that FCT will be completely safe soon.

“There are people who want to distract Wike from delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. We urge President Tinubu to ignore such people and continue to support Wike.  We also call on residents of the FCT to join hands together and support Wike to succeed.”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reiterated the government’s commitment to quality healthcare service delivery to the residents of the Territory.

He said in addition to boosting the over 360 primary healthcare centres and other healthcare facilities in the Territory with the required infrastructure and personnel, affordable and accessible healthcare.

Wike gave the assurance on Wednesday during a free medical outreach held in Kuje Area Council where over 4,000 residents received free medical services, including eye screening and free glasses, antenatal clinic, sickle cell screening, free HIV screening and counseling, and dental care.

General medical checkups, blood testing, and minor surgeries were also carried out for the attendees of the outreach.

Wike, represented by the Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Adedolapo Fasawe, explained that the Renewed Hope medical outreach demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to Nigeria’s health security. 

He emphasised that President Tinubu tasked the FCT minister with addressing the health needs of residents, as a healthy population is essential to driving the Renewed Hope Agenda and reaping the benefits of democracy.

He said: “We always say health is wealth and the difference between this medical outreach and all other outreaches is that we say health is not only the absence of disease; health is the total well-being of a person, of a society, especially the women and children.

“We are looking at the social determinants of health, physical determinants of health, and total well-being overall, including your mental health.

“How did this come about? The President, Bola Tinubu, through the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, gave us a mandate that health care must be accessible, affordable, available, and within reach of every citizen of the country. We in the FCT have taken that mandate very seriously. People say Wike is working.

“Wike is not only working on projects; he is also working on the systems. Our mandate really is to reduce the number of women who die due to pregnancy or childbirth complications. This is called maternal mortality.

“The number we have is quite alarming right now and we decided to check what is causing this. We have the hospitals, we have the nurses, we have the doctors, we have skilled birth attendants.

“Why do people come to us at the latest stage of complications and die? Hence the essence of this programme.”

While disclosing that the outreach would become a routine program of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Fasawe, in her remarks, said the outreach has provided the opportunity to upgrade health facilities in Kuje Area Council.

“Why have we come to the grassroots? We recognize that people have lost faith in the health systems. They have lost hope, hence this mission is called Renewed Hope Outreach.

“Everything we have offered here today is absolutely free of charge. Health insurance is open to the vulnerable in society.

“Medical services before now have been hard to get. Even when you get it, it is unaffordable.

“Programs like this show that the government of President Tinubu, through the able leadership of our Health and Environment Secretariat, is committed to ensuring that this message of renewed hope is not only in infrastructure, it is also in the kind of services we offer to our people.

“We will upgrade the hospitals so that they can continue to offer these services. We will leave all the equipment used here today behind so that when the people go back to the health facilities here tomorrow or next week, they will get the same service delivery. Yes, this is true,” she said.

The Gombo of Kuje, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Haruna Tanko Jibrin, expressed the appreciation of the people to President Tinubu, FCT Minister Wike, and the Mandate Secretary, Fasawe, for identifying Kuje for the outreach, which he said was not only unprecedented but one that will have lasting impressions on the residents.

About 500 pregnant women won mini-sized gas cookers donated by one of the partners of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat.

Fasawe explained that, as the Secretariat responsible for environmental matters in the FCT, the donation of gas cookers aligns with their mission to promote a clean environment in the Territory. 

This initiative, she said, encourages healthy cooking practices and clean air, among other measures, to spread the message of environmental sustainability.

• ‘Project abandoned over 14 years’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday approved the naming of a 3.2-kilometre arterial road and bridge at Shagari/Satellite Quarters in Kwali Area Council of the Federal capital Territory (FCT) after Nigeria’s famous potter, Ladi Kwali.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike announced this while inaugurating the road linking the Kwali bridge in Kwali Area Council of FCT.

The minister told residents of Kwali that President Tinubu remained committed to the wellbeing of Nigerians and would continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the citizens.

Ladi Kwali is the face of the woman on the N20 note.

Read Also: John Mayaki hails Tinubu, Wike’s infrastructure achievements in Abuja

Wike described the famous paotter as one who used her creativity to bring fame, not only to the FCT but the entire nation.

While the road had been abandoned for over 14 years, the bridge was abandoned in the last 20 years but both projects were built within three months by the Wike administration in the FCT.

Addressing a crowd of jubilant residents and FCT officials, the minister said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu knows no religion, tribe or political affiliation.

Promising to deliver three strategic roads to the people of Kwali Area Council, Wike said he would also provide solar-powered street lights to illuminate the area.

He said: “This road was abandoned for how many years now? What you see today is the Renewed Hope Agenda we are talking about. I am sure that most of you must have lost hope that you took your fate into your hands, since no government would want to feel your plight. So, you have managed to fend for your people.

“But Mr. President had said do not lose hope, as he is here to bring your hope back. And from what he has done on this road today, it shows indeed hope is coming back to our people.”

Kinsmen of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister  Nyesom Wike has  accused Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara of beating ethnic war drum in state.

The kinsmen,  under the aegis of Apara Committee of Friends (ACF), said Fubara’s statements and policies  were promoting unhealthy rivalry amongst the people.

Such comments and policies, according to them, were ‘’unsafe, detrimental and injurious to the ethnic harmony’’ in the peaceful state. 

They, therefore, admonished the governor, as the father of the state, to save the state from the festering political crisis.

The kinsmen also pledged their support for   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and absolved Wike of all allegations and insinuations that he demanded a certain percentage of the state’s monthly allocations. 

Their allegation against and appeal to Fubara are contained in a statement issued after their meeting in Port Harcourt, the state capital at the weekend. The statement was  signed by ACF Acting President Temple Weneka and  Chairman  Alex Wele .

Describing  Wike as a team player and  an uncompromising believer in agreements, they blamed the political crisis in the state on “unguided statements, deliberate blackmail and mischief, political actions and policy decisions aimed at undermining the personality and integrity of the FCT minister.”

They argued that the crisis could have been avoided or long resolved had the governor respected the eight-point presidential peace accord he signed in Abuja last year and the constitutional rights of the state House of Assembly members.

Read Also: Ijaws sad over Wike, Fubara rift in Rivers, says INC

The ACF members also noted that withholding of the allocations of some councils was tantamount to denying them of the statutory duties. 

A part of their statement reads: “ The puerile confrontation and assault of Governor Sim Fubara on the Rivers State Lawmakers would have been avoided had the Governor respected the constitutional rights of the elected legislators, knowing that the Legislature is a separate arm of government which functions are adequately provided for in the 1999 Constitution.

“The demolition of the hallowed chamber of the State House of Assembly and the continuous harassment of members of the legislative arm of government and their families is an aberration and not acceptable in a democratic setting.

“The dictatorship style of governance by the governor in withholding the monthly allocations of the local government areas, depriving them of their constitutional and statutory obligations, suffering and denying the local government employees and political appointees their monthly wages are primitive and a setback to our democracy.

“The non-compliance by Governor Fubara with  the eight-point Abuja Peace Accord  facilitated by Mr President to ensure a lasting  solution to the crisis in Rivers State which the governor had later abandoned.”

Earlier, the  group said  it had  ‘’maintained a studied silence since the inception of the

political impasse, between our son and brother, the   FCT Minister,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, and   Fubara but kept mute with the hope and expectation that the impasse would be amicably resolved in the interest, development and smooth running of the government of Rivers State.

“Regrettably, rather than see the manifestation and realisation of this long-awaited hope and expectation, what we have seen and continue to see, is a worsening political climate made possible by unguided statements, deliberate blackmail and mischief, political actions and policy decisions aimed at undermining the personality and integrity of the FCT minister.

“It is against this backdrop that we the Apara Committee of Friends, a socio political pressure group of the people of Apara Kingdom in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State found it necessary at this material time to highlight salient issues arising from the crisis, with a view to providing necessary clarifications to some of the issues.’’