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  • Senate summons Wike, FCT CP, Igweh, over insecurity

    Senate summons Wike, FCT CP, Igweh, over insecurity

    The Senate on Wednesday, February 28, summoned the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike and the Commissioner of Police in charge of the territory, Benneth Igweh, over insecurity.

    The Senate said the invitation had become necessary to enable both Wike and Igweh to brief it in closed session concerning the spate of insecurity in the FCT and measures being taken to address the menace.

    This is even as the Senate observed a minute silence in honour of those killed in the territory due to the cruelty of bandits and kidnappers.

    The resolutions of the red chamber followed its consideration and adoption of a motion titled: “Galadimawa kidnap incident and need to urgently enhance security measures in FCT, Nigeria.”

    The motion was sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta North).

    Other prayers of the motion adopted by the Senate include: “Urge the Inspector-General of Police to see to the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations within and around Abuja, highways, and other major capital cities to bolster surveillance and deter criminal activities;

    “Also call on the Inspector-General of Police to urgently increase security patrols and surveillance within Abuja and across the nation to proactively combat and prevent further kidnappings;

    “Mandate the Committees on Defence and Police to recommend robust strategies to prevent future kidnappings within FCT;

    Read Also: Reps set to probe non-compliance to safety standards, failed digital switchover

    “Call for the recruitment of more police personnel to bolster security forces’ capacity to combat kidnappings and other criminal activities effectively;

    “Urge for the provision of adequate mobility resources for the police to enhance their ability to respond swiftly to security threats and conduct patrols effectively;

    “Call on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to urgently ensure the functionality of dedicated emergency numbers for police, ambulance, and fire service emergencies, to enhance swift response to security and public safety incidents.

    “Urge the Police to dedicate a three-digit emergency number for effective emergency response.”

    Nwoko in his lead debate, said the Senate notes that on November 23, 2023, the Senate vie a motion resolved that security agencies fortify security and address the surge of kidnappings in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    He said the Senate also “notes that the resolution was prompted by the tragic abduction of 19 individuals, including Senator Ned Nwoko’s Senior Legislative Aide, Barrister Chris Agidy, in Galadimawa, Abuja.”

    He said the Senate is aware that “upon receiving the distressing news, Senator Nwoko took immediate action and promptly contacted the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth C. Igweh, who swiftly activated the O.C. (Officer in Charge) Anti-Kidnapping team to secure the release of those abducted.

    He added: “Informed that the FCT Police Command operatives conducted a successful operation on 24th February 2024. Acting on reliable intelligence, they raided Sardauna Forest in Toto, Nasarawa State, and apprehended Samaila Wakili Fafa, also known as Habu Ibrahim, a notorious kidnap kingpin who has long eluded capture and has been on the Command’s wanted list.

    “Informed also that the suspect has admitted that his criminal syndicate orchestrated and carried out numerous kidnappings in the FCT and its surrounding areas, including the abduction of Barrister Chris Agidy, and Mr Sunday Yahaya Zakwai, the District Head of Ketti Village.

    “Disturbed that the gravity of this situation has only been compounded by the revelation of Barrister Agidy and others’ untimely demise at the hands of these abductors, and their remains recovered and deposited at Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital mortuary for medical assessment;

    “Cognizant of the Police Force efforts who displayed unwavering dedication and determination in pursuing kidnappers – the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth C. Igweh, who personally led the team into the forest in search of the bodies, CSP Mustafa, the Officer in Charge of Anti-Kidnapping, and CP Victor, the Divisional Police Officer of Utako, along with courageous police officers.”

    Senators in their contributions supported the motion and approved the prayers when they were put to voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

  • Tinubu, Wike get kudos for smart city idea

    Tinubu, Wike get kudos for smart city idea

    Construction firm, Luxiar Limited has applauded initiatives of President Bola Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for the proposed transformation of Abuja into a smart city.

    The minister made this statement during FCT Minister’s Press Corps retreat in Keffi, Nasarawa State, with the theme, “Building an Environment that Benefits a Smart City. Healthy Café: A Step Towards Effective City Management.”

    The retreat is to addresses challenges in development of a smart city and foster collaboration.

    The transformation of Abuja into a smart city is aproject that seeks to utilise technology and innovative solutions to improve quality of life, enhance efficiency in city management, and promote development.

    Wike, represented by the Director of Press, Anthony Ogunleye, stressed importance of healthy and productive environment in achieving goals for project goals.

    He hailed the progress by FCT Administration in boosting IGR, which will fund projects to transform Abuja into a smart city.

    Luxiar has continued to support the FCT minister for his housing policy in Abuja.

    In a statement by the firm, it expressed its commitment to collaborate with FCT administration to transform Abuja’s housing landscape.

    The minister’s housing policy seeks to provide affordable and quality homes, catering to income levels and socio-economic backgrounds. This aligns with the government’s vision to ensure adequate and sustainable housing for citizens.

    Read Also: House invites CBN Gov over REMITA leakages

    Luxiar, renowned for its excellence in the construction industry, has pledged its support to make the FCT Minister’s housing policy a reality. The company’s vast experience in delivering high-quality, innovative, and sustainable construction projects makes it an ideal partner in this transformative endeavor.

    During the retreat, participants discussed various aspects of effective city management, including infrastructure development, waste management, public transportation, and the integration of technology in governance. The Healthy Café initiative, which promotes a healthy lifestyle among city dwellers, was also highlighted as a step towards creating a conducive environment for the smart city project.

    The FCT Minister urged the media to play a significant role in creating awareness and promoting the vision of a smart city among the residents of Abuja. He emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and collaboration between the government, private sector, and citizens to ensure the successful implementation of the smart city project.

  • Wike to British High Commissioner: Abuja safe for investors

    Wike to British High Commissioner: Abuja safe for investors

    Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday, February 27, assured that the nation’s capital is safe for investors.

    Wike said security and job creation for the residents are key priority areas on the list of his agenda.

    He gave the assurance when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery paid him a working visit in his office in Abuja.

    According to him, United Kingdom and Nigeria had a long relationship from the colonial period to Independence, saying the relationship has been stronger and stronger.

    Wike, who was responding to the request of the commissioner on priority areas of the administration, said his interest is centered on the priority of President Bola Tinubu‘s Renewed Hope Agenda which is anchored on eight priorities.

    Tinubu had on assumption of office in 2023 listed eight priority areas of his administration which include food security, ending poverty, economic growth and job creation, access to capital, improving the playing field on which people and particularly companies operate, rule of law and fighting corruption.

    Read Also: Reps to security agencies: Adopt home grown technology to fight insecurity

    Wike said the problems have not been all solved but there is significance progress in addressing them.

    He explained that security in Abuja seems to be different because of the boundaring states of Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi and Kaduna.

    The minister said the states have high activities of bandits, saying it appears that when they are getting it hot in those states, they run to Abuja.

    Wike said: “Two months ago, it does appear to be too hot but you can now see that the level of criminal activities have come down very well because of the level of support and the commitment of security agencies particularly the police.

    “We gave the police and other security agencies a lot of logistics support and that is how I help them effectively to support the fight, this help to calm particularly banditry and kidnapping, I can tell you that we have made tremendous progress in terms of arresting the kidnappers.

    “There is no part of this world that there won’t be any form of criminality, what is important is the swiftness of security agencies to apprehend and also try to prosecute those that are involved, so am happy with what we have done.

    “We also realized that before now it does appear that no activities in Abuja, many people complain that Abuja is down but as we came on board activities have come on board.

    “We are proud to say that we have turned Abuja site which was not the case in the last past 8 years to construction site.

    “Creating of job is a priority, what that will mean to the teaming youths is that, more creation of job is not only where it is white cola job, by these activities youths are involved, if you go to the area councils today there are a lot of jobs going on there, that has created way for the youths to be employed”.

    In his remarks, British high commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, said the visit was critical because of the important role the minister and his team play in the commission.

    He said: “I have come to seek your view and understanding of approaches to the development of the Federal Capital Territory considering the many initiatives we have seen in the press which will lead to the prosperity of FCT.

    “There have been security issues in the recent past especially kidnapping, we want to get an update on the issue, also in a closed door meeting I will give you more updates on UK and Nigeria bilateral relationships.

    “In the last few days, we have step up our engagements to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a few weeks a go, the UK hosted the Nigeria defence on security and defence partnership, we shall be looking at how the business environment can be better as well”.

    Montgomery said the British Commission is interested in understanding the areas of priority to help in the bilateral relationship.

  • Arewa Youths back Wike’s security initiatives

    Arewa Youths back Wike’s security initiatives

    Arewa youths under the Arewa Youth Assembly have thrown their support for the security initiatives of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

    The group in response to a publication accredited to the Senator representing the FCT, Sen. Ireti Kingibe, who accused the Minister of displaying a “I don’t care attitude” towards the security of the FCT, said the minister since his appointment has remained committed to securing the FCT.

    The group in a statement signed by its speaker Mohammed Danlami listed the efforts of the minister as follows; “to ensure the safety and security of lives and properties of Abuja residents, approved the formation of two joint-security task forces comprising all security agencies domiciled in the FCT to curtail the activities of one-chance syndicates, armed robbers, kidnappers, and all forms of criminality within the territory and its environs.

    Read Also: Wike advised to set up FCTA advisory council, promote traditional rulers

    “Implemented a digital security monitoring and control system within the current FCT transport management system and charged security agencies with profiling FCT Uber Drivers to help curb insecurity.  Mandated the holding of monthly security meetings of the six area councils aimed at improving the security situation in their respective area councils.

    “Given the directive for setting up two new divisional police stations in the Gwagwalada community for law enforcement and curbing criminal activities in the area; provided vehicles for security agencies, communication gadgets, as well as motorcycles to support local vigilance groups, to help provide security agencies with necessary information.

    “Collaborated with neighboring states of Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, and Kaduna to exploit areas of joint security outfits, intelligence sharing, provision of the needed logistics support, and more to mitigate these security challenges.”

  • Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda progressing – Wike

    Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda progressing – Wike

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda is progressing.

    Wike said it is an agenda that emphasises not only economic advancement but also the enhancement of infrastructural systems and empowerment of Nigerians.

    The minister said this on Saturday, February 24, at the FCT Minister’s Press Corps retreat with the theme: ‘Building an environment that benefits a smart city’ held in Keffi, Nasarawa state.

    In line with the agenda, Wike said the recent steps taken by the FCT Administration to bolster its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) signify a commitment to self-sufficiency and sustainable growth.

    He said boosting FCTA’s IGR is a testament to the dedication to fostering economic resilience and reducing dependence on federal allocations.

    The minister hailed journalists for effectively grasping of issues confronting FCTA and how to tackle them.

    Wike who was represented by the Director Press, Office of the FCT Minister, Anthony Ogunleye, said: “Your theme for this retreat is “Building an Environment That Benefits of a Smart City. Healthy Café: A Step Towards Effective City Management is very apt, emphasizing the critical importance of innovation, sustainability, and effective city management in our collective pursuit of progress. It could not have come at a better time than now.

    “By adopting this theme, you are once again demonstrating your support and partnership in governance as well as helping the Administration by brainstorming on a major issue in the management of the city.

    “I, therefore, commend you for your high sense of purpose and thorough grasp of the developmental issues confronting the FCT Administration as it works to launch the city into the circle of the best cities in the world. I acknowledge your passion for the city and your partnership with the Administration through which you have proven that the media and the government can be partners in progress.

    “I commend your dedication in orchestrating this insightful gathering which aligns seamlessly with our aspirations for a brighter future that resonates with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “President Tinubu’s vision in the Renewed Hope Agenda embodies the essence of progress, innovation, and inclusive growth. It is an agenda that emphasizes not only economic advancement but also the enhancement of infrastructural systems and the empowerment of our people.

    “As stewards of this vision, it is incumbent upon us to translate these aspirations into tangible actions that positively impact the lives of our citizens.

    “It is a stride towards financial autonomy, allowing us greater flexibility in implementing developmental projects that directly benefit the residents of our city.

    “The concept of a smart city is not merely an ambitious vision but an imperative step towards ensuring sustainable urban development and an enhanced quality of life for our citizens. It involves the integration of technology, innovation, and strategic planning to create an environment that is efficient, resilient, and responsive to the needs of its inhabitants.

    “Our commitment to creating an environment that benefits a smart city necessitates multifaceted efforts. It involves not only leveraging technological advancements but also prioritizing health and well-being at every level of urban planning. Initiatives such as accessible green spaces, efficient waste management, sustainable transport systems, and promoting healthy lifestyles contribute significantly to this vision.”

    The future of the city, Wike said rests upon collective efforts and dedication to realizing these ambitions.

    He advised all to leverage the momentum of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the FCT Administration’s steps towards increased IGR to propel our city into a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

    Read Also: Wike advised to set up FCTA advisory council, promote traditional rulers

    Wike said: “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, our decision to exit the Treasury Single Account (TSA and establish the Civil Service Commission, among other reforms, is a strategic move towards efficiency and transparency that will ensure that the FCTA fulfills its mandate to the citizenry.

    “While we pledge to meet our obligations to the residents, permit me to use this occasion to implore all residents to fulfill their civic duties, including the timely payment of taxes, such as the round rent, tenement rates, and utility bills.

    “It is disheartening to witness flagrant violations of basic rules, such as traffic light violations and driving against traffic. Henceforth, these actions will no longer be tolerated, and mandated penalties will be rigorously enforced. Let us work together to build a city where both the government and the public uphold their respective responsibilities for the betterment of our beloved Federal Capital Territory and I urge the media to help us in getting this message across to all and sundry.”

  • Wike advised to set up FCTA advisory council, promote traditional rulers

    Wike advised to set up FCTA advisory council, promote traditional rulers

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has been advised to set up a Federal Capital Territory Advisory Council (FCTAC) to assist him with his job.

    The Federal Commissioner Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission representing FCT, Ayuba Jacob Ngabko, gave the advice in a statement issued in Jos yesterday.

    Ayuba, while alos advising the minister to promote traditional rulers who have been stagnated for several years, urged him to govern the FCT in a way that will strengthen its political and administrative structure.

    He said, “The Advisory Council is to advise the minister on political and administrative structure of FCT, economic development and empowerment, education and scholarships, land allocation and local content derivation, minerals and natural resources development, indigenous people of FCT development and any other thing that will promote the unity, peace and integration of Nigerians residing in FCT”.

    Read Also: Wike to Nigerian Law school: You have my full support

    He stressed that the minister should appoint an indigene of the FCT out of the seven members to chair the FCT Civil Service Commission on the appointment of the chairman and commissioners of the FCT’s civil service.

    Ayuba urged Wike to involve the FCT All Progressive Congress (APC) leadership and followers through appointment opportunities and called on the FCT administration and council chairmen not to rest on security matters until farmers can freely access their farmlands.

    The Commissioner advices the FCT and Area councils’ chairmen to develop financial services that could empower the indigenous youths of the FCT.

    He applauded the president and federal government for doing its best in reducing the suffering of FCT residents and Nigeria at large, therefore urging the residents of the FCT to always summon courage to demand accountability from FCTA and Area councils what they do with the allocation and IGR and other accrued funds coming to them monthly and time to time.

  • Wike to Nigerian Law school: You have my full support

    Wike to Nigerian Law school: You have my full support

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Nyesom Wike, has pledged his support for the Nigerian Law School (NLS).

    Nyesom said his administration would consider the request of the institution for the construction of a staff quarters and provision of vehicles for the school. The Minister made the pledge yesterday when a delegation of the Nigerian Law School led by the Director-General, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, visited his office.

    Wike, in his address, said it was important for agencies within the FCT to be given every necessary support and directed the General counsel of the FCT Administration to liaise with the school, so that the requested construction of the staff quarters will be added to the budget.

    He said: “As far as we are concerned, we are here to make institutions, agencies of government that carry out business in the FCT, to give them every necessary support. You made two requests which are very germane: the staff quarters and vehicles. So, the General Council will liaise with you so that before we submit our budget to Mr. President to convey to the National Assembly, if it will be necessary, between now and Monday, the General Council will liaise with you and see whether you have the designs, so that we will be able to know what it will cost us and then see whether we can include it in the budget.

    “And then the vehicles we talked about, we don’t know the type of vehicles, but I believe they are not SUVs. Maybe you are looking for buses and Hilux. So, we will look at the number we have, and then be able to make that available to you”.

    Wike also explained the reasons for the heavy security presence within the Bwari Area council where the Abuja campus of the Law School is located, noting that it was based on intelligence gathered by security agencies, and that any incidence at the school would be a setback for Nigeria and the FCT.

    Read Also: FG, States, Councils share N1.149tr for January 2024

    He said: “As far as I am concerned, when I heard about the opening of the section, I was told I had to send security, without even talking to you, because we didn’t want to take any chances at all, knowing fully well that period, the information we were getting, the intelligence we were getting. So that is why it does appear there was so much security within Bwari. We didn’t want to take chances, because if anything happens there, of course it’s a setback to the entire country and then to the FCT”.

    Prof Chiroma informed the minister that the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the Minister on his appointment, and to inform him that he was a recipient of an award at the NLS’ 60th Anniversary.

    “On behalf of our colleagues who are here, and those who are not here, on behalf of the Council Management, and Staff as well of the Nigerian Law School, we welcome you to Abuja. Why we are here also is to inform you that this year, Nigerian Law School is 60 years, and we are mandated to inform you that you are one of our distinguished awardees on this sixtieth anniversary,” he said.

  • Wike to Nigerian Law School: you have my full support

    Wike to Nigerian Law School: you have my full support

    The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged his support for the Nigerian Law School (NLS).

    Nyesom said his administration would consider the request of the institution for the construction of staff quarters and the provision of vehicles for the school.

    The minister made the pledge on Thursday when a delegation of the Nigerian Law School led by the Director General, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, paid a courtesy visit to his office.

    Wike, in his address, said it was important for agencies within the FCT to be given every necessary support and directed the General Counsel of the FCT Administration to liaise with the school so that the requested construction of the staff quarters would be added to the budget.

    He said: “As far as we are concerned, we are here to make institutions, agencies of government that carry out business in the FCT, to give them every necessary support. You made two requests which are very germane: the staff quarters and vehicles. So, the General Council will liaise with you so that before we submit our budget to Mr. President to convey to the National Assembly, if it will be necessary, between now and Monday, the General Council will liaise with you and see whether you have the designs, so that we will be able to know what it will cost us and then see whether we can include it in the budget. 

    “And then the vehicles we talked about, we don’t know the type of vehicles, but I believe they are not SUVs. Maybe you are looking for buses and Hilux. So, we will look at the number we have, and then be able to make that available to you”.

    Wike also explained the reasons for the heavy security presence within the Bwari Area council where the Abuja campus of the Law School is located, noting that it was based on intelligence gathered by security agencies and that any incidence at the school would be a setback for Nigeria and the FCT.

    He said: “As far as I am concerned when I heard about the opening of the section, I was told I had to send security, without even talking to you, because we didn’t want to take any chances at all, knowing fully well that period, the information we were getting, the intelligence we were getting. So that is why it does appear there was so much security within Bwari. We didn’t want to take chances, because if anything happens there, of course, it’s a setback to the entire country and then to the FCT”.

    Read Also: FCTA to construct, Gwagwa, Karimo, Dei-Dei road – Wike

    Speaking earlier, the DG of the Nigerian Law School, Pro, Isa Hayatu Chiroma, informed the Minister that the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the Minister on his appointment and to inform him that he was a recipient of an award at the NLS’ 60th Anniversary.

    He said: “On behalf of our colleagues who are here, and those who are not here, on behalf of the Council Management, and Staff as well of the Nigerian Law School, we welcome you to Abuja. Why we are here also to inform you that this year, Nigerian Law School is 60 years old, and we are mandated to inform you that you are one of our distinguished awardees on this sixtieth anniversary.”

  • FCTA to construct, Gwagwa, Karimo, Dei-Dei road – Wike

    FCTA to construct, Gwagwa, Karimo, Dei-Dei road – Wike

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration will construct Gwagwa, Karimo to Dei-Dei road, to ease traffic congestion.

    Wike made the pledge while inaugurating the construction of access road to Saburi 1 and 2, in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abuja on Wednesday.

    The road begins from the Outer Northern Expressway (Murtala Mohammed Expressway, also known as Zuba Kubwa Expressway) to Old Keffi Road, near Dei-Dei International Market.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the decision to construct the road followed a request by the AMAC Chairman, Mr Christopher Maikalangu, to the minister to consider expanding the road to ease traffic congestion.

    Maikalangu had described the road as a strategic commercial road in the whole of FCT, but in a bad state, narrow and required expansion for the road users.

    He also said that the Saburi Road, from the expressway to Old Keffi Road, would ease the suffering of the people, particularly during the rainy season.

    He added that the road, when completed, would trigger socio-economic activities and other development strides in the area.

    Responding, Wike, asked the people at the event if they were in consensus with Maikalangu’s request to construct the Gwagwa-Karimo-Dei-Dei road, and the highly elated residents unanimously answered yes.

    The minister, thereafter, said, “consider it to be done.

    This, according to him, is the essence of governance when the government responds to the needs of the people.

    “Mr President has emphasised that our people in the rural areas must be given attention because they constitute the larger part of the population.

    “So. it is not only where the elite are living, but also where the poor ones are, so that we will be able to reduce the level of insecurity, make economic activities to thrive and have our farmers bring in their goods to the market,” he said.

    He called on the residents to pray for President Bola Tinubu for good health and God guidance to be able to keep his campaign promise of providing dividends of democracy to the people.

    He said that the construction of additional roads across the six areas councils of the FCT would be inaugurated in the next three months.

    The minister said that the commitment was part of efforts to keep peoples’ hope alive in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu.

    He appealed to the Senate and House Committees on FCT to support in passing the FCT statutory budget which would be submitted soon to enable the Administration to deliver more roads and other projects in rural communities.

    Earlier, the Chief of Jiwa, Alhaji Idris Musa, thanked Wike for constructing rural roads across the six area councils.

    “Today is a great day for us and other Nigerians that are jampacked in Jiwa Chiefdom. The road you are constructing now, we are very grateful,” he said.

    Read Also: Wike to civil servants: I won’t allow bureaucracy stall Abuja projects

    Musa, thereafter, announced the conferment of the traditional title of Jagaban (Chief Warrior) Kudu of Jiwa Chiefdom on the FCT Minister, making it the fifth traditional title conferred on the minister by FCT communities.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that so far, the FCT Minister has inaugurated the construction of six rural roads totaling 42.2 kilometres across six Area Councils.

    The roads include 11 km road in Kwali Area Council, five km dual carriageway in Kuje, nine km road in Gwagwalada, 7.2 km road in Bwari, five km road each in Abaji and AMAC.

    (NAN)

  • Wike to civil servants: I won’t allow bureaucracy stall Abuja projects

    Wike to civil servants: I won’t allow bureaucracy stall Abuja projects

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has warned directors in the Administration against sitting on files for weeks. Wike said he will not allow bureaucracy to stall ongoing projects in the nation’s capital.

    The minister said he would not allow anyone stifle the development of rural communities in the nation’s capital.

    Wike said any director who refuses to act on files that he has already approved, is a saboteur.

    The minister handed down the warning yesterday in Abuja during the kicked-off of the 5-kilometre Naharati – River Ukya – Unguwan Hausawa road in Abaji Area Council of the territory.

    It is the rural road construction in the area councils since Wike assumed office.

    He said: “I know that you had suffered quiet a lot in the past and you want things to change immediately. I want to appeal to you to be patient. I will never associate myself with anything that will not work. As I tell you that things will turn around positively, be assured that they will turn around positively. The decisions taken by Mr President may not materialize immediately but just be calm. You will reap it.

    “We had a meeting on Monday with the most senior director and I was telling them that woe unto that director who will keep a file, that I have approved, for weeks. Woe unto you because you are a saboteur. Once I approve, do the needful. You can take a week to do due diligence. You don’t need to take 20 days. The contractors are humans. When the money does not get to them on time, they incur more costs and then they begin to seek variation even though they know that variation is not in my dictionary. So, I need your support so that we can deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.”

    He said President Bola Tinubu has mandated him to ensure development of the councils, adding that all the rural roads would be completed before the end of the year.

    “Mr President has mandated me and the Minister of State to see that we come to the area councils for you to feel the impact of governance. We have talked about insecurity. If you don’t have good roads, can you fight insecurity? One of the ways of fighting insecurity is to provide good roads so that security agencies can chase criminals and apprehend them. If you don’t have good roads you can’t go to the farms. This road is to also support agricultural development.

    Read Also: Shettima, Akume, Akpabio, Wike: hardship over soon

    “The president has told us that development should not only be concentrated in the city. One of the reasons for rural-urban migration is access to amenities and when you provide that in the rural areas, people will stay in their areas.

    “Insecurity does not know any political party. Hardship does not know who belongs to which party. Therefore, the council chairmen owe the people to provide good governance. They have all agreed with us to work with this administration to make sure that our people will not lose out and I want to commend them for that.

    “All these projects we are starting will be completed this year. None will get to next year. We must make people have confidence in government by fulfilling our promises. Be assured that these roads in the six area councils will be completed before the year ends. All these we are doing have to do with the 2023 budget. We are going to kick-off more roads in the 2024 budget. It is your right. We are not doing it that we are helping you. No. Mr President came to you and sought your mandate, that he would touch your lives. He is doing that now,” he added.

    Chairman of the council, Abdullahi Abubakar, said the road will facilitate the movement of goods and services by supporting agricultural development.