Dare Babalola
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has told critics that it is impossible to praise his projects while attacking President Bola Tinubu who drives them.
Wike said this on Monday during the launching of the extension of Mohammed Isa Road in Asokoro District.
He recalled how a critic had confronted him about the lack of road infrastructure in Asokoro, noting that the critic admitted that other parts of Abuja were enjoying massive road projects under his leadership.
He, however, said the critic dismissed the President’s role in making it possible.
Wike explained, “I told him, you cannot say FCT is working and then claim Mr President is not working. It doesn’t make sense. Through us, we carry out the directives and vision of the President. One of those visions is that the FCT must compete with the best cities in the world – and that is exactly what we are doing.”
Wike challenged Nigerians to acknowledge the scale of change unfolding in Abuja and stop politicising development.
“Let us tell ourselves the truth. If these things had been done before now, resources would have gone to other priorities. But because they were not, this government is fixing them. Nigerians should be honest enough to admit that,” he stressed.
Wike stated that without the taxes there would be no meaningful development in the nation’s capital city.
He described road infrastructure as critical to economic growth and a major factor in attracting both local and international investors.
The minister emphasised the role of road infrastructure as the backbone of any modern city’s economic growth.
“The soup may be sweet, but money kills it. If you don’t pay taxes, we can’t provide the condiments and proteins – the good roads, street lights and drainage. So pay your taxes and we will keep Abuja beautiful,” Wike quipped.
The minister noted that beyond roads, the FCT Administration had rehabilitated over 70 schools, with another 40 slated for immediate work, while the health sector would soon see capital projects rolled out under the 2025 budget.
He said, “Just a few minutes ago, I was talking with the Mandate Secretary of Health, and I was asking her, where are the items provided in the capital of the 2025 budget, so that we can start the implementation of the capital budget of the health secretariat.
“So that everybody will know, we have touched transport, we have touched roads, we have touched the sports area, we have touched education, now we are touching health. So I said, no sector will be left untouched. All we need to do is just be patient, and to be patient means, give us time, give us time. It also has to do with the availability of resources”.
Wike maintained that the Tinubu administration was committed to touching every sector and transforming Abuja into a world-class city.
“The way Abuja was two years ago is not how it is today, and tomorrow it will be even better. All we owe is to support an administration that has shown commitment to change our lives,” he said.
