In a resounding call for national patience and unity, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has emphatically urged critics and citizens alike to acknowledge the tangible progress unfolding in Abuja under President Bola Tinubu's administration. Speaking at the commissioning of newly constructed access roads in Sector Centre B of the Dakibiyu District, Wike highlighted the undeniable transformations in the nation's capital as a clear testament to the president's commitment to delivering democratic dividends. His remarks come at a time when Nigeria grapples with economic reforms and infrastructural challenges, positioning the FCT's developments as a microcosm of broader national efforts.
Wike's address was not merely ceremonial; it served as a robust defense of the Tinubu-led government's policies, emphasizing that visible changes in Abuja are harbingers of greater achievements to come. "Critics can’t deny the ongoing transformation in the capital city," Wike asserted, underscoring that these developments are direct outcomes of presidential directives aimed at revitalizing key sectors. He painted a vivid picture of future milestones, promising that by President Tinubu's third-year anniversary next year, Nigerians would witness unprecedented advancements in Abuja. "By next year, Mr President’s third year anniversary, Nigerians will see what they have never seen before," he declared, evoking a sense of optimism and anticipation.
The minister's plea for patience was woven throughout his speech, framing it as essential for the nation to reach its "promised land." He assured the audience that under Tinubu's leadership, Nigeria's narrative would shift dramatically for the better. “So, I’m pleading with all Nigerians to continue to be patient, we will get to the promised land, and through Mr President it will be a different narrative, you can see it coming,” Wike stated. This call resonates amid the hardships associated with recent economic reforms, including subsidy removals and currency adjustments, which have sparked public discourse and occasional protests. By invoking biblical imagery of a "promised land," Wike sought to inspire resilience, suggesting that short-term pains would yield long-term gains.
Addressing potential detractors head-on, Wike challenged the notion of partisan blindness, arguing that electoral outcomes are binary—winners and losers—and should not obscure objective realities. “As far as FCT is concerned, will anybody, no matter how you may hate anybody or how you felt to have lost the election, somebody has to win as there is no GG in elections, somebody will win and the other person will lose,” he remarked, using the colloquial "GG" (likely referring to a tie or draw) to dismiss excuses. He posed a rhetorical question: “So even if you hate Mr President can you deceive yourself to the point that you will say nothing is going on in the FCT? Certainly not.” This blunt rhetoric underscores his belief that facts on the ground—such as the flurry of road flag-offs and commissions—speak louder than political grievances.
Wike extended this logic beyond the FCT, positing that the capital's progress mirrors Tinubu's nationwide impact. “So from there you will also know what Mr President is doing in other areas, see where we are either to flag off or to commission projects and that is what the dividends of democracy is all about,” he added. In essence, he portrayed infrastructure as the tangible "dividends" that validate governance, urging Nigerians to focus on deliverables rather than rhetoric. His loyalty to the president was unequivocal: Wike described himself as working directly for Tinubu, whose judgments, he said, are always geared toward steering Nigeria aright. “I have told people not to bother; be focused. When you start delivering, achievements will silence all critics. Today, they have nothing else to say, but we are concentrating on roads, and I said, take it easy.”
Looking ahead, Wike revealed plans to pivot toward the education sector, signaling a holistic approach to FCT development. “Very soon, they will see that we will be focusing on schools, so critics will have nothing to say. They wake up in the morning and tune in to national television and all they will see will be what we are doing,” he promised. This shift from roads to education highlights a strategic roadmap, aiming to address foundational needs like schooling infrastructure, which has long been a pain point in the territory. By preempting criticism through proactive announcements, Wike demonstrated a media-savvy governance style, ensuring that positive narratives dominate public discourse.
The event also provided Wike an opportunity to commend collaborative efforts within his team, particularly highlighting the role of his Minister of State, Mariya Mahmoud. Acknowledging her support, he drew from personal history: “My dear Director of Ceremony, you have said it all. In 2011–2012, when I was appointed Minister of State for Education, that was when I met you, and you gave us all the necessary support in running Universal Basic Education and the Almajiri schools. I am happy to have a Minister of State who has been very supportive.” Their shared past in education ministry roles underscored a foundation of trust and efficacy.
Wike elaborated on the rarity of such harmony in dual-minister setups: “It’s not easy to have two ministers working so closely and cooperatively. I was a Minister of State, and I knew what happened in other ministries. Without working together, you cannot achieve anything.” This introspection, drawn from his own experiences, emphasized teamwork as a cornerstone of success. He extended gratitude to the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and its Executive Secretary, as well as the Coordinator of the Satellite Towns Development (STD), noting that most commissioned projects fell under their purview. “So, Minister of State, I want to commend you and thank you for the support. I also thank, in particular, the FCDA through the ES for your support. Most of the projects we are commissioning have been under you and the Coordinator of STD,” he concluded, fostering a spirit of collective achievement.
The commissioning ceremony itself symbolized progress: the access roads in Sector Centre B are part of a broader initiative to enhance connectivity in Dakibiyu District, easing traffic and boosting economic activities for residents. These projects align with Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure as a catalyst for growth. Wike's remarks, delivered with his characteristic vigor, not only celebrated these milestones but also served as a broader appeal for national cohesion. In a country polarized by politics, his message bridges divides, reminding stakeholders that development transcends electoral bitterness.
As Nigeria navigates its reform journey, Wike's words echo a pragmatic optimism. The FCT, often seen as the nation's showcase, is poised for further evolution— from roads to schools, and beyond. By silencing critics through action, as he advocates, the administration aims to build unwavering public trust. With promises of unseen transformations on the horizon, Wike's call for patience may well resonate, provided deliverables continue to materialize. In the interim, events like this commissioning reinforce that governance is about persistent effort, collaborative spirit, and an unwavering focus on the people's welfare. As the minister wraps up his tenure's early phase, the spotlight remains on how these assurances translate into reality, potentially reshaping Nigeria's developmental trajectory under President Tinubu.
