By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has disclosed that series of developmental projects being witnessed in the territory were a result of good leadership skill of President Bola Tinubu through his regular directives on how to make things work in the FCT.
Wike stated this during the flag off of construction of Muhammed Isa road extension in Asokoro District of Abuja on Monday.
He noted that provision of infrastructures – both completed and ongoing withing the Federal Capital City and the satellite towns, are part of visions of the Tinubu-led administration.
“Today, we are in Asokoro. I remember very well that one of the major critics of the present government of Bola Tinubu, I will not call his name. He came to me and said, you have been providing infrastructure in terms of road in all the other part of the city. What about us in the Asokoro extension or what you may refer within the Mohammed Isa Road. I said, oh so you identify that Mr. President through us has been providing infrastructure in other part of the city. You identify that. So, why you do we think that this government is doing nothing? He said, I should forget that, It’s not everything they say you take as serious. I said when do I know when to take you serious.
“We forget the fact that Mr. President as president has agents or people who carry out his directives or instruction. You cannot say FCT is working and Mr. President is not working. it doesn’t make sense. Through us, we carry out the directive, we carry out instruction, we carry out the vision of Mr. President and one of the visions he has is that FCT must compete favorably with other cities of the world and that is what we are doing,” Wike said.
He praised the commitment of President Tinubu towards ensuring beautiful transformation of the nation’s capital.
The Minister assured residents of Asokoro district particularly those whose houses are within Muhammed Isa road extension lacking good roads, drainages and streetlights of better days ahead by the time the road constructions are completed.
“Look at the topography. Look at the landscape. By the time these roads are completed, the drainages are put in place, the street light is on. What are we talking about?”
“Therefore, let Nigerians be truthful to themselves. Let us tell ourself the honest truth that if these things were done before now, probably we would have channeled our resources to other things. But because they were not done, we cannot close our eyes and say it should not be done.
“This government has come and made sure that all these things are done, putting Abuja in a proper perspective to the world. When you come, you say look, that is a beautiful city. All we owe is to continue to support President Tinubu’s administration that have shown leadership, that administration, that show commitment to change our life. Yes, it will not be miraculously but it has to take time and it is moving.
Wike called on FCT residents to ensure prompt payment of their taxes as at when due, saying that by doing this it will help the government to provide more amenities that would make life more better for the citizens.
“So, all these good roads, good drainage system, the street lights, wouldn’t be possible if you don’t pay our taxes. So, try and pay our taxes so we can provide more of these roads, connect the drainages and keep our environment clean,” the minister stated.
