Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, stated that he chose to join President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration because he believes in its potential to achieve significant development and deliver essential democratic benefits.
Wike conveyed hope that the current leadership would soon overcome Nigeria's numerous challenges.
He encouraged citizens to stay patient and supportive, emphasizing that effective governance requires time. However, he assured them that positive outcomes would soon become evident in important aspects of national life.
Wike delivered a speech during a thanksgiving service celebrating the successful completion and inauguration of projects at St. James’ Church, Asokoro in the Diocese of Abuja (Anglican Communion).
He stated that President Tinubu has accomplished a great deal in his two years in office.
The FCT minister characterized President Tinubu as highly engaged in governance and noted that the President issued clear directives to the ministers to promote the nation's progress.
He encouraged the church to keep praying for President Tinubu and his team.
Wike encouraged the church to avoid engaging with politicians and former leaders who prioritize their own personal interests.
The FCT minister stated that those who have formed a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) aim to harm the country.
He questioned the group's credibility and inquired about its intentions.
Wike stated: "I wouldn't have supported the Tinubu administration if it hadn't been effective. Residents of FCT and Nigerians across the country can see for themselves the changes Mr. President has implemented in the FCT. Previously, accessing funds was a challenge for the FCT due to being tied to the Treasury Single Account (TSA), which hindered its development. However, through his foresight, Mr. President ensured we were removed from this constraint."
Today, we are able to view the projects since we're no longer operating under the TSA.
Allow me to take this opportunity to share with you, especially the church, that in 2023 we came close to making a significant mistake. We must exercise greater caution going forward, as such a decision could have jeopardized our future prospects.
Feel free to ask us questions; we are the politicians. However, it's important to approach what we say with caution. If nothing significant had occurred, some of us might not be in our current positions today. Be wary of those who use propaganda as a tool for manipulation or blackmailing you into certain beliefs. Take a look at the situation involving The Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre—an example worth considering. Previously managed by individuals who paid just N50 million annually to the government, these same people now claim they want to lead and transform Nigeria’s future.
When we visited, the President remarked that it was an eyesore and not up to the standard expected. He said it did not represent the Nigeria we should showcase. Consequently, we closed down the place. Now, within six or seven months, we've successfully rehabilitated the International Conference Centre.
“Do you know what's surprising? The man in charge was paying N50 million to the government annually. However, just three weeks after renovations and ongoing activities there, we've generated over N700 million.”
That's exactly what they're looking for. When you refuse and say it won't be allowed, they start crafting all sorts of narratives and telling stories. There were people who had the chance to govern for years—eight, twenty years even—and could have developed facilities and infrastructure in their states but failed to do so. Back then, Nigerians didn't express anger about this lack of progress; it's only now that these individuals are out of office that there's widespread discontent among Nigerians.
"If I claim we want to save Nigeria, you should ask me about the past opportunities and what took place during those times. For instance, if you're curious about my tenure as governor of Rivers State or in my current role in the FCT, I can confidently list my accomplishments. We all witnessed when trains were being bombed en route to Kaduna; that did not occur under Bola Tinubu's administration, yet no rescue efforts for Nigeria took place then."
The nation was in a dire state, and difficult decisions would need to be made. We recognize the challenges at hand. After two years of neglect, expecting miraculous improvements is unrealistic. It’s not like praying for someone who is ill and instantly healing them in God's name; solutions require practical action rather than reliance on miracles.
You are acknowledging the changes because there is currently a government committed to implementing them. If Bola Tinubu's administration were not motivated, nothing would have changed. However, they recognize that this isn't the capital we should aspire to; it isn’t representative of what Nigerians can take pride in. Our goal is for Abuja to stand alongside other world-class cities. While it's true that we're still far from fully transforming Abuja, you can clearly see the steps and processes being initiated to elevate it towards its ideal state.
Post a Comment