FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has assured residents that Abuja will undergo massive transformation to rival other major cities of the world before the end of President Tinubu’s tenure, stressing that no sector will be left out of the administration’s development agenda.
Speaking during the flag-off of access road projects on Monday, Wike declared: “I have said it before and I want to continue to say it, that before the tenure of Mr. President takes place, Abuja will be a different thing. In terms of infrastructure, Abuja will compete with other non-cities of the world and we have to continue to thank Mr. President for the love, for his commitment to make our city capital to be what to be called a city capital.”
He emphasised that the government’s vision extended beyond roads. “Because of our determination, we believe that no sector will be left untouched. No sector will be left untouched,” the minister said. He added that his team is “also concentrating on education… also concentrating on transportation… also concentrating on how we are going to make the youth to be very, very engaged… also trying to concentrate on health.”
The minister challenged FCT officials to live up to expectations, saying: “Everybody who knows me knows that my friend, my brother, my sister, is one who is committed to work. I don’t take excuses at all. If you want to achieve, I’m going to support you to achieve.”
He insisted that residents must be able to hold his administration accountable. “For us in FCT, let the residents of FCT call us and say, come and show your report card. Come and tell us what you have done. We are prepared any day, any time to say, look, the people of Abuja, this is what we have done. It’s not about liking our faces. You don’t need to like our faces. We didn’t come here for beauty contests. We came here to work. And we are going to work.”
Wike also addressed criticisms regarding project funding and delayed contracts, insisting that his administration only awards jobs when funds are available.
“Don’t bring projects when you don’t have the money. If a government that wants a project, and does not carry that project, it’s a problem for the government. Forget about people lobbying you, award it first. If you award it, and you keep the hope of the people behind it, without the job being done, the way you receive abuses, that you have allowed it the way it was, are coming to us in the situation. I assume we know we are doing this job now, because the fund was not available.”
On protests and criticisms, the minister said he would not be intimidated. “Some people say, oh, people will demonstrate. I say, what is democracy all about? Democracy is about protest, about demonstration. There’s no way you can have democracy, if you will not protest… If you like, go and organise yourself… call whatever name you want to call me, put my name in the internet, say anything you want to say. I will not, I will not, I will not. I’m not one of those, you would think that, black men, who judge me. My skin is so thick, so strong, so strong.”
He further stressed that priority projects would continue based on the needs of residents. “I determine what is the priority. I, representing Mr. President, determine what is the priority. You cannot determine for us what is the priority. I know what the people need, and that’s why we’re here to flag our vote. Our people need hospitals. Our people need schools. Our people need good roads.”
Wike closed his remarks by reiterating his focus on delivery rather than popularity. “I have never said I want to be one of those that are liked. No, I don’t want anybody to like me. All I want is God to show me what to do, and to give me a good heart, so I will come to this.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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