By Remi Johnson
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has declared that the completion of impactful infrastructure projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda has made electoral rigging unnecessary, as the government’s achievements already speak volumes to the electorate.
Wike made this assertion during the commissioning of the 16-kilometre Idu-Zuba road on Tuesday, where he openly challenged political opponents ahead of the upcoming area council elections.
“There’s no need to rig elections; our completed projects speak for us,” Wike said. “Those planning to run should be asking themselves what they will tell the people. Let no one waste their money, the result is already known by what we have done.”
The Idu-Zuba carriageway, initially awarded in 2014 at a cost of ₦7 billion, suffered delays and inflation-driven cost escalations, eventually bringing the total to ₦31 billion.
Wike commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring the project’s completion, stating that such progress was made possible only because of the President’s support and commitment to completing legacy projects under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“When we assumed office in August 2023, I came here and asked: how was this kind of project awarded without a plan to finish it? But with Mr. President’s support, we revived and completed it,” he said.
Wike emphasized that the Idu axis is the designated industrial hub of Abuja. He disclosed that investors were previously discouraged due to the lack of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os), but swift interventions under his administration led to the issuance of C-of-Os within two weeks, unlocking opportunities for job creation and industrial expansion.
According to him, over 40,000 direct jobs are expected to emerge from the industrial park in the area, thanks to government support and improved infrastructure.
Highlighting the significance of road infrastructure in attracting investments, Wike stressed, “Investors will only come when there are roads. Their job is not to build roads for us, it’s our responsibility to provide the basic infrastructure.”
He further noted that contractors faced difficulties obtaining federal approval to cross the railway corridor, an issue he hopes will soon be resolved.
Wike also revealed that a company has already applied to complete the remaining section of the project and is in talks for tax concessions through the Ministry of Finance.
In a humorous remark, Wike credited the administration’s performance to presidential backing. “Monkey dey jump because tree near tree. If monkey jump and no tree, him leg go break,” he said. “If Mr. President wasn’t supporting us, people wouldn’t be saying we are doing well.”
The Minister called for continued collaboration and support from the presidency to sustain the current momentum of infrastructural growth across the FCT.