President Bola Tinubu on Sunday commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his infrastructural strides in Abuja, acknowledging that the FCT had seen significant improvements under his leadership.
Speaking while hosting a delegation from the FCT, led by Wike, for the Eid-El-Fitr homage at the Presidential Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, Tinubu noted that previously abandoned projects were being revived, healthcare services had improved, and governance structures had been strengthened.
However, in a lighthearted remark, he cautioned Wike against tilting political support in Abuja in favour of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) through his developmental projects.
Recalling a past conversation with Wike regarding financial constraints affecting project execution in the FCT, Tinubu said, “I remember the day Nyesom Wike came to me and said, ‘Please, take us out of this problem of TSA so that I can do more work and achieve more.’
“Then I said, ‘Okay, tell me what you’re about to do.’ And he presented it. And I threw in my own political guide. ‘Would that give me any opportunity for my party to win the election in FCT?’
“I said, ‘I know where you are coming from, your own party or my party. If this thing goes too much in your own favour, you will lose your job.’ Then he said, ‘Okay, we will settle that, Oga.’”
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Despite being a prominent PDP figure and former governor of Rivers State, Wike now serves in the All Progressives Congress-led administration, though he has repeatedly stated that his appointment does not equate to leaving the PDP.
Acknowledging Wike’s contributions, Tinubu said, “Things started changing rapidly, and I started looking at the opening up of the rural areas, of abandoned projects, and the residence of the vice president that has been abandoned for years came alive.
“The health centres were being rehabilitated. The health facilities of the residents of FCT are being upgraded. Our teachers at school are being rehabilitated, buildings are furnished. Thank you, Wike. We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouths to celebrate if not for the progressive ideas you have given.”
The President further asserted that security in the FCT had improved, food prices were reducing, and economic activities were becoming more vibrant under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Emphasizing the importance of national unity, Tinubu said, “Our people are looking for results. They are looking for comfort. They are praying for good health. They are looking for a fairer somebody with a heart. It is not about me, it’s about every one of us, and the diversity of Nigeria is being proved by Nyesom Wike.
“Surprisingly, Nyesom Wike is not from the North. He’s not a Hausa man. He’s from the southern part of Nigeria. And his ability to work in the centre of the northern part of Nigeria is yielding fruits. That is a good reflection of our diversity that we must use for our prosperity.”
The President urged Nigerians to embrace tolerance and unity while reflecting on the lessons of Ramadan. “We must continue to share. We must continue to remember the less privileged people, the orphanage, the widows, the have-nots, believing that we can share both in joy and in time of need. And we can believe that Nigeria is greater than any of us,” he said.
On his part, Wike highlighted key reforms introduced in the FCT, including removing the Federal Capital Territory Administration from the Treasury Single Account, establishing the FCT Civil Service Commission, and appointing permanent secretaries to enhance governance.
“As we approach the second anniversary of your administration, we are excited about the array of impactful projects that we have lined up for inauguration. These projects, designed to improve infrastructure, economic opportunities, and the overall quality of life, stand as evidence of your administration’s commitment to national development,” Wike said.
He also pledged the FCT administration’s continued support for the Renewed Hope Agenda and invited Tinubu to inaugurate the projects completed within the past year.
