By Ben Adoga, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday publicly welcomed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara back into his political camp, declaring that “there is no sin in politics” and insisting the governor had “no other choice” than to return to the political family that brought him to power.
Wike also said Fubara’s reconciliation would bolster efforts to deliver Rivers State for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, signalling an end to months of political hostility between the two leaders.
“He had no other choice but to return to the political family that produced him. He has made that declaration publicly, and we welcome him,” Wike said while addressing journalists after inspecting ongoing road projects across the Federal Capital Territory.
The minister said the reconciliation was in the interest of Rivers State and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration at the centre, stressing that all political actors must now work together.
“Our doors are open. Everyone is welcome. There is no better alternative. We will all work together to move the state forward.”
Responding to questions on whether Fubara had been forgiven after their prolonged political feud, Wike dismissed the suggestion, saying personal grievances did not govern politics.
“I don’t know what you mean by sin. In politics, there is no sin. If someone realises they made a mistake and decides to correct it, there is nothing wrong with that. What matters is recognising that you were on the wrong path and making the right decision.”
He maintained that Fubara’s public declaration of reconciliation would strengthen the APC’s political calculations ahead of the next general election.
“He has publicly stated that he has returned to where he started, and we received him with an open mind. There is nothing to hide. We will all work together to ensure that we deliver the votes President Tinubu needs for his re-election.”
The minister spoke shortly after inspecting key infrastructure projects, including the ISEX Road Corridor and the nearly completed Apo-Karshi Road, where he expressed satisfaction with the pace of construction.
According to him, the contractor handling the ISEX Road mobilised immediately after President Tinubu flagged off the project during activities marking the third anniversary of his administration.
“The contractor moved to site immediately after the flag-off, and they have assured us the project will be ready for commissioning by December. I believe them because they are committed to delivering on schedule.”
Wike said the completion of the project would unlock development across large sections of the Federal Capital Territory and improve connectivity.
The minister also reiterated his administration’s resolve to complete all inherited infrastructure projects rather than abandon them, describing continuity in governance as a hallmark of responsible leadership.
The 10-kilometre ISEX Road, originally awarded in 2014, is among several projects inherited by the current administration after years of delays.
Wike disclosed that the contractor had undertaken to complete six kilometres of the road and its major interchanges before the end of the year, provided funds are released as budgeted.
“We have appealed to the Minister of Finance because the project is already captured in the national budget. Once the funds are released, the contractor will meet the deadline.”
He said discussions with the Ministry of Finance were ongoing because of the strategic importance of the project to Abuja’s urban expansion.
According to the minister, completing the ISEX Road would mark the end of the FCT Administration’s inherited major road projects.
“The ISEX Road will be the last major inherited project awarded by previous administrations. Once it is completed, we can confidently say we have fulfilled our promise that no viable project inherited by this administration will be abandoned.”
Wike recalled that abandoned infrastructure projects littered the nation’s capital when the Tinubu administration assumed office in 2023, slowing development and tying down huge public investments.
He said President Tinubu directed that all inherited projects should be completed to prevent waste of public funds and ensure continuity in governance.
“Leadership is about continuity. It is not about abandoning projects simply because you did not initiate them. Good leadership is completing projects that improve the economy and transform the city.”
The minister assured residents that the FCT Administration would continue to monitor ongoing projects closely while meeting its financial obligations to contractors to ensure timely delivery.
He added that the completion of strategic roads across the territory would enhance mobility, open up new districts for development and further consolidate Abuja’s status as Nigeria’s capital city.
