Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has flagged off the resurfacing of 182 existing roads and remedial works on bridges in Maitama, Garki and Utako Districts of the FCT.
Gatekeepers News reports that Wike conducted the flag-off exercise in Abuja on Tuesday, February 06, 2024, in the Maitama District.
The Minister charged the contractor to ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated time, emphasizing that the projects must be completed before May 2024.
While warning that he would not hesitate to revoke the contract of any contractor who fails to perform, Wike welcomed the idea of local content in the award of contracts.
He stated that the development of the FCT is sacrosanct and goes beyond political party affiliations, adding that the FCT Administration is working with the six Area Council Chairmen, irrespective of party differences, to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the FCT for the benefit of the people.
According to him, “What we are doing today has nothing to do with political party. What we are talking about is governance, how will the people of Abuja benefit? Party is a vehicle that takes you to your destination. When you get to your destination, you come down and work. This is about governance.
“That’s why today, all the Area Councils are cooperating with us. It doesn’t matter whether they are in party A or whether they are in party B because poverty does not know the party you belong to. Insecurity does not know the party you belong to. So, we must put our hands together and support the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President.”
Wike further thanked the leadership of the National Assembly and the various Committees overseeing the FCT for their support, assuring that the FCT Administration will continue to work with the lawmakers for the development of the nation’s capital.
The Minister further attributed the development strides in the FCT to the support of President Bola Tinubu, adding that the FCT Admin has no choice but to deliver without excuses.
He said, “Whatever we are doing here today is not on our own. Mr. President is the Governor of the FCT by law, but he has decided to delegate his functions to us and so many of us he has given that opportunity, we don’t have excuses. We must make the people happy…and that’s what we are doing today.”
On the difficulties occasioned by the road rehabilitation exercise in the FCT, especially the traffic gridlocks, the Minister pleaded with residents that sacrifices must be made to achieve development.
On the challenges being experienced in the country due to the ongoing reforms of the Federal Government, Wike sought patience and understanding among Nigerians, assuring that Nigerians would soon witness a positive change.
He noted that the reforms of the government were not intended to punish anybody and urged Nigerians to continue to support the President and pray for him to succeed.
The Minister who called for the support of FCT residents for the activities of government, urged them to pay their taxes to ensure more development in the FCT.
On the efforts to address security challenges in the FCT, the Minister stated that security agencies have been provided with the necessary logistics to address the security issues in the territory and called on residents to provide relevant information that will aid the job of the crime fighters.
Earlier in his remark, the Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Zakka Maikalangu appreciated the Minister for his commitment to providing infrastructure in the Abuja Municipal Council and commended the ongoing transformation in the FCT.
