By Remi Johnson
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has expressed deep satisfaction over the successful commissioning of 16 infrastructural projects across the FCT within a the last 3 weeks, in commemoration of President Tinubu’s second year in office.
Wike gave the indication during the official commissioning of the Aguma Palace – Radio – Nigeria – Market Road in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja.
He described the development as a clear demonstration of purposeful leadership and community-driven governance.
“Today marks the 16th day that Mr. President has personally participated in commissioning projects in the FCT. This is what we call operation show your scorecard,” Wike declared, as he addressed a jubilant crowd.
The Minister used the platform to criticize detractors whom he accused of politicizing the positive strides being made in the FCT.
He particularly challenged those inciting unrest and calling for a national “revote” to first lead such efforts from their own states and with their own children.
“You say Nigeria should rise and revote. I am waiting for you in Rivers State. You will start there first, with your children. Not when your children are in London, you ask others to come out,” Wike fired.
He emphasized that contrary to the claims of some opposition figures, the people of the FCT, particularly in rural areas like Gwagwalada, are not angry but rather appreciative of the government’s efforts.
“Gwagwalada people, are you angry?” he asked rhetorically, receiving a resounding “Noooooo!” in response from the crowd.
Wike noted that the ongoing infrastructural works across the territory were a result of direct community engagement and not top-down imposition.
“When we came on board in August 2023, we visited every Area Council. The communities themselves identified the roads that needed attention. That is what we call community participation,” he explained.
Among the completed projects highlighted was the 9km Paikon-Kore road, which he said had significantly improved transportation and economic activity in the area.
In a swipe at former office holders now criticizing the current administration, Wike questioned their legacy, noting that despite years in power, they failed to uplift Nigerians.
“You were Senate President for eight years, Speaker for four years, Minister for eight years. Yet you never made Nigerians happy. Now someone is just six months in office, and you claim Nigerians are angry,” he said.
The Minister also defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying he has changed the narrative of leadership by ensuring results within a short time.
“I want Mr. President to be proud. This administration has empowered local contractors and prioritized impactful, grassroots development,” Wike stated.
He thanked traditional rulers and residents for their support, and applauded the contractors for delivering quality work on schedule.
“This road, and others like it in Ushafa, Bwari, and various bus terminals, were handled by local contractors who have proven their capacity,” he noted.
Wike explained that the joy on the faces of FCT residents was the real testimony of good governance.
“If some people have sworn never to be happy, may they never be. As for me, I am fulfilled seeing the smiles of our people,” he said with conviction.
The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, also reaffirmed his commitment to executing projects that will enhance the quality of life for residents and stimulate sustainable economic growth across the territory.
Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, emphasized that the projects commissioned in recent week ranging from roads and interchanges to transport terminals and traditional institutions stand as tangible evidence of the administration’s vision and unwavering commitment to transformative governance.
She described the initiatives as key enablers of economic growth, social cohesion, and an improved quality of life for residents across the territory.
The commissioned projects include the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre (formerly ICC), the N16 Road, the OSEX–Wasa Junction Road, and the N5 Road stretching from Life Camp to RR3 and further to the Murtala Mohammed Expressway.
Other completed projects are the N11 Road leading to Judges Quarters, the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project, the Lokoja–A2 Road to Pai Village, as well as the Mabushi and Kugbo Bus Terminals.
Additionally, the FCTA commissioned the N20 Wole Soyinka Interchange Bridge, the Ushafa–War College Road in Bwari, the N1 Road and other internal roads in Dakibiyu, the Kabusa–Ketti Road in AMAC, and the access road to the EFCC facility in Giri District.
Also included were the Aguma Palace–Radio Nigeria–Market Road in Gwagwalada, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the INEC Annex Headquarters.