By Cross Udo, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has praised Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for his good works in the nation’s capital.
The President hoped that such a performance would give the All Progressives Congress (APC) victory in 2027, especially in the FCT.
Tinubu spoke at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when Wike led a delegation of prominent FCT residents on a traditional Sallah homage to mark the end of Ramadan fasting and the Eid-el-Fitr holiday.
He described the FCT as ‘Mr Infrastructure’. He listed some of the various initiatives and projects executed by the Minister, stressing that they have translated to better lives for Abuja residents, for which he remains grateful to the Minister.
Tinubu, who did not appreciate formatting on the Carsons in the delegation, said, “I could see the diversity of men and women here; I must thank the Honorable Minister of FCT. It’s worth it. It is nothing other than a privilege to be the landlord of every one of us in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
“And when we started, he came up with many good ideas to liberate the bureaucracy, bring forward-looking, progressive thinking to the administration, and allow many of you that property rights would have still hindered.
“The independent Civil Service Commission solution and all of that that we discussed give opportunity for upward mobility and promotions consistent with the civil service structure, the Area Councils structure, and the indiscriminate development in the face of dwindling resources.
“I remember the day Nyesom Wike came to me and said, ‘Please, take us out of this problem of Treasury Single Account (TSA) so that I can do more work and achieve more’. Then I said, ‘Okay, tell me what you’re about to do.’
“And he presented it, and I threw in my political guide: ‘Would that give me any opportunity for my party (APC) to win the election in FCT?’ I said, ‘I know where you are coming from, your party (PDP) or my party. If this goes too much in your favour, you will lose your job.’ Then he said, ‘Okay, we settle that, Oga.’
“And things started changing rapidly, and I started looking at the opening up of the rural areas, of abandoned projects, and the residence of the Vice-President that has been abandoned for years came alive.
“The health centres are being rehabilitated. The health facilities of the residents of FCT are being upgraded. Our teachers at schools are being rehabilitated; buildings are being furnished. Thank you, Wike.”
Continuing, Tinubu said, “We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouths to even celebrate if not because of the progressive ideas you have given. Today, we are living in peace, and security is improving. There is satisfaction in our output. Hunger is coming down. Food prices are lowering. We can go to the market and do business.
“Our people are looking for results. They are looking for comfort. They are praying for good health. They are looking for a fairer, somebody with a heart. It is not about me; it’s about every one of us, and Nyesom Wike proves the diversity of Nigeria.
“Strengthen that diversity to develop prosperity, seeing that we are all members of one family living together in the same House but staying in different rooms. We belong to one family of hope and belief in Nigeria.
“I thank all of you for believing in that. For cooperation, collaboration, and belief in the positive idea that we can live in peace and harmony with one another, regardless of ethnic or religious diversity and faith. I thank you.”
The President stated, “Surprisingly, Nyesom Wike is not from the North. He’s not a Hausa man. He’s from the southern part of Nigeria, and his ability to work in the centre of the northern part of Nigeria is yielding fruits. That perfectly reflects our diversity, which we must use for our prosperity.
“l am just a custodian of your trust. It’s only Almighty Allah that gives power. And he says, ‘If I give it to you, you must use it righteously. You must be humane. You must follow my teachings. And do great things. To show that, I granted you that privilege as a temporary article of faith, and I’m the only one who can take it away from you if you don’t know how to use it.”
