By Remi Johnson
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on residents of Apo and surrounding communities to remember President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s developmental strides when the 2027 elections arrive.
Wike stated this in Abuja when he addressed the jubilant crowd at Apo-Wassa during the commissioning of the newly completed Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX II) in the area.
“Are you happy? Are you sure? Time will tell o. When that time comes, I will come back and I will say, you promised me, if I give, you will give me. Now, I am giving you. When the time comes, give me o,” he said.
He noted that the road has significantly opened up communities like Wassa, Takushara, Ketti, and Kabusa, providing city access in just 10 minutes. “You don’t need to live in the city again. From those areas, in 10 minutes, you are in the city. And this is what has been lacking before now,” Wike added.
Wike criticized the opposition party for misleading the public and applauded Tinubu’s dedication. “People have made promises to you; nobody has fulfilled the promise. Now, this man came and said, Abuja people, don’t worry. I am going to do the road, and he has done it. I am going to relocate you — he will relocate you.”
Wike also pledged his commitment to further infrastructural development: “I promised the Apo mechanic traders, we are going to dualize this road, so that we finally kill anything about traffic in this area.”
He praised President Tinubu’s unwavering support, saying: “Giving you a position is not enough. But giving you the support for you to achieve is another thing altogether. Mr. President likes us. He has given us support, and we will not disappoint him.”
Wike acknowledged the National Assembly’s cooperation: “We have never had it this easy. You have given us special attention, and we did promise you we will not disappoint you.”
On criticism, Wike said there are visible evidences of progress , unless one chooses not to see. “If God gave you eyes to see, and you say I will not see, then be blind.”
The Minister also defended his decision to name the International Conference Center after President Tinubu.
“Nobody who loves this country will criticize the naming of the International Conference Center. Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport was not built by Nnamdi Azikiwe. Moshood Abiola Stadium was not built by Moshood Abiola.”
He dismissed economic comparisons to 1991: “Look at the exchange rate in 1991 and 2025, and then compare… We have taste. We want the best for the country.”
Reaffirming his loyalty to President Tinubu, Wike said: “Why would you not commend somebody who has done well? You are not happy that they named it after Mr. President? Go and kill yourself. I have done it, and I have no regrets at all”.
“If you did not do well to defend your boss when you had the opportunity, it’s not our fault… If you want to die, I have a lot of land to give you where they will bury you.”
Wike concluded with a firm commitment to continue working for President Tinubu and Abuja residents: “I am not here to please unnecessary critics. I am here to please the residents of Abuja… I will continue to give critics high blood pressure. Mr. President, we will not disappoint you.”