By Remi Johnson
Former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has lauded the remarkable infrastructural strides being made in the Federal Capital Territory under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, describing them as unprecedented in Nigeria’s political history.
Speaking in an interview with journalists at the inspection site in Abuja, Ortom expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Wike as the Minister of the FCT, calling it a “great feat” and a testament to the President’s visionary and inclusive approach to governance.
“I want to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding our friend worthy of serving as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, specifically in the Federal Capital Territory. This is a great feat,” Ortom said.
Drawing from his vast political experience that dates back to 1982, Ortom, who also served as a former Minister, declared that Wike’s impact in just one year surpasses that of his predecessors in decades.
He noted that the scale and speed of development currently being witnessed in Abuja is transformational.
“I have seen several Ministers in the FCT, but this is the first time I am seeing monumental development and progress in the capital city. I now need a guide to navigate the FCT, because the landscape has changed significantly in just one year,” Ortom said.
Ortom, who also served as the National Auditor of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) since 2008, hailed President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and his ability to rise above party lines to appoint individuals based on merit and competence.
“This is strategic partnership. Mr. President is looking beyond party affiliation. That’s why he brought in my friend, Minister Nyesom Wike, who contested the last election on the platform of the PDP. It shows he means well for Nigeria.”
He urged Nigerians to unite and support the Federal Government’s reform efforts regardless of political affiliations, emphasizing that national interest should be the overriding priority.
“Yes, we have economic and security challenges, and Mr. President has acknowledged these. But he is committed to lifting the country from its lowest point. We must all support him, the National Assembly, and leaders across the nation to overcome these hurdles,” Ortom appealed.
The former Governor praised recent infrastructural developments such as the Kugbo and Mabushi Bus Terminals, describing them as world-class and reminiscent of what is seen in advanced nations.
“This is what we see abroad. Now, it is happening here in Abuja, in our own country.”
He concluded with a passionate call for political unity and focus, urging all stakeholders to avoid unnecessary distractions ahead of the 2027 elections and instead rally behind the President’s development-driven vision.
“If Mr. President was a partisan man, he wouldn’t have brought people like my friend into government. This shows leadership, maturity, and a genuine commitment to the progress of Nigeria.”