…Inspects ongoing work at Abuja Court of Appeal complex
By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has vowed that he will continue to do what is right for the FCT and will not be distracted by name-calling.
He said, “As a politician, one must not be afraid of being called names”, stressing that he would only be worried when his principal, President Tinubu, is not happy with what he is doing.
“All those people protesting, I’ve told them to come and show where we awarded the contracts to them. If it is these civil servants’ contracts where they go and award N5 billion without approval and then incur debts of N20 billion, I will not pay.
“If you like cry from morning till night, call me whatever thing you want to call me, say anything you want to say, as a politician, you should know that these are the things you will see. If, as a politician, you think that people will not say something against you, then go and sleep. The only way I will be worried is when my principal is not happy with what I’m doing”.
The Minister also stated, that there is no room for excuses in actualizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the FCT.
The FCT Minister made this statement in Abuja while flagging off the construction of a 3.4 km access road (SILS 01 and SILS 02 -Timipre Sylva Street) in Mabushi District.
In his address at the event, Barr. Wike emphasized that his role as the Minister of the FCT was to implement the President’s vision, not to present him with daily complaints and demands. “I should think out of the box. Mr. President will be tired and lose confidence in me if all I bring are excuses”.
The Minister stated that he is here as an agent of the President, tasked with ensuring that all of the administration’s goals for the FCT are met.
He said, “Ours is to encourage our people to make sure that everything Mr. President has outlined has to be concluded, through our support. We are here as agents to implement Mr. President’s vision and his mission and what the Renewed Hope Agenda has for the people of Nigeria, and in particular, the FCT.
“Anybody who knows me knows that my friend, my brother or my sister is the one who is committed to his or her duty. If you want to achieve, I will give you the support you need to achieve.
“If you are in transport and I see that you are committed to improving the transportation sector, I will give you the support. If you are in agriculture and I see that you are dedicated in what you are doing, I will give you the support you need”.
The FCT Minister also reiterated his commitment to providing world-class infrastructure that will make the FCT comparable to some of the great cities of the world, and thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support.
“I have said it before, and I want to continue to say it, that before the tenure of Mr. President expires, Abuja will be a different place. In terms of infrastructure, Abuja will compete with other known cities of the world”, he said.
While noting that road construction was a priority, Barr. Wike assured the public that his administration was not neglecting other critical sectors. He highlighted ongoing efforts in transportation, health, and education, promising that “no sector will be left untouched”, despite the existing challenges.
“So many people have accused us of prioritizing road construction. But one good thing is that at least they have identified that something is being done. We are not concentrating on only roads. We are also focusing on transportation, on health and education. People should realize that we had a lot of challenges when we came, but because of our determination, we believe that no sector will be left untouched”, the Barr. Wike explained.
Speaking on a proposed demonstration by some aggrieved contractors in the FCT, the Minister acknowledged the right to protest within a democracy, but emphasized the importance of following due process in contract awards, underscoring the need to award contracts only when the funds are available.
Providing the project overview, Executive Secretary FCDA, Engr. Richard Yunana Dauda said the 3.4 km access roads ILS 02 and ILS 03 (Timipre Sylva Crescent) in Mabushi District, will provide access and free circulation to the recently completed Mabushi bus terminal as well as infrastructure to Mabushi District.
In her vote of thanks, Acting Head of FCTA Civil Service, Nancy Sabanti, extended her heartfelt gratitude to President Tinubu, stressing that his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment have made the realization of critical projects in the FCT. She also thanked the FCT Minister for his consistency and steadfast dedication to duty, noting the Minister’s commitment to the development of the FCT.
Pledging commitment to deliver the project on time, the Managing Director, SETRACO Nigeria LTD, Engr. Ziad Mouannes thanked the FCT Minister for entrusting the company with the project and vowed to ensure its delivery in accordance with the highest standards and specifications.
Also, the Minister while inspecting the new Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal complex in Dakibiyu, Jabi District expressed strong dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work.
Briefing journalists after inspecting both the Appeal Court Complex and the Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District, expressed doubts about the project meeting its scheduled September 2025 completion date, intended to coincide with the Court of Appeal’s 2025 legal year celebration.
Wike noted a prior commitment to the Court of Appeal that the new facility would be ready in time for their 2025 legal year. However, after touring the site, he stated, “I’m afraid; I’m really not too satisfied. I don’t think that the contractor will meet up”.
Despite his concern, the Minister expressed confidence that the project would be completed and handed over to the Court of Appeal before the end of the year.
To ensure that the project is delivered this year, the Minister said he has summoned the contractor for an urgent meeting to strategize on how to accelerate the pace of work. He emphasized the project’s importance, noting that it was dear to President Tinubu.
The Minister said, “I do know that it will not exceed this year. I have sent them to call the contractor. Let’s put our heads together because it’s one project that is dear to Mr. President”.
In contrast, Wike expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the Judges’ Quarters project in Katampe District, which involves the construction of 40 units of five-bedroom duplexes for Justices of the Federal High Court, the FCT High Court, and the Court of Appeal.
