By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has dismissed purported Health challenge rumours.
The Minister gave the clarification during the flag-off ceremony of the full-scope development of the Arterial Road N1 (Olusegun Obasanjo Way).
Wike, who recently returned from an overseas trip, refuted the reports as false, stressing that they were politically motivated. He explained that he took a deserved break from his busy schedule, emphasizing the need to be healthy to work.
He said, “It is unfortunate to hear that they said I was sick, they said you have a heart attack. God will continue to help them to have a heart attack”.
Speaking on the flag-off ceremony, Wike stated that the project demonstrates the FCT Administration’s commitment to improving road networks and resolving traffic issues, thereby supporting the city’s long-term urban growth in line with the Abuja Master Plan.
He noted that the new road, a project, awarded to Messrs. Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited, has a completion timeline of one year and eight months and stretches from the Wuye District to Ring Road II (Olusegun Obasanjo Way) within Abuja.
Stating, that the project would boost socio-economic activity and improve residents’ living conditions, expressing confidence that the contractor, Messrs. Arab Contractors Nigeria Limited, having shown their capacity in the ongoing Federal Highway 105 project from Airport expressway to Kuje, would also complete the work on time.
He also decried what he called the undue criticism of President Tinubu on social media, condemning a recent instance where a popular activist referred to the President as a criminal. Wike argued that such unguarded utterances were uncalled for, noting that Nigerians are fortunate to have a President who believes in the rule of law.
He drew a parallel with the United States, stating that no matter how much Americans criticize their leaders, they would never publicly label a president a criminal.
He said, “This is a country where somebody will go on social media to say Mr. President is a criminal and nothing will happen. Anybody can wake up in the morning and say all kinds of things, and nothing will happen”.
Regarding a planned demonstration by FCT resident doctors over claims that the FCTA was prioritizing road construction over healthcare, the Minister assured them that their concerns, including allowances and the employment of health officers, were being addressed.
Barr. Wike, who also frowned at reports of purported plans by the workers to disrupt the project flag-off ceremony by staging a protest, cautioned against using the civil service for political purposes, stating that protest is a democratic right, but it will not stop decisions in the best interest of the administration.
He said, “If you want to enter political party A, you are free to enter and face me when the time comes, but don’t use the civil service to play politics”.
He added, “The people in health said we have not paid their allowances. We lost our Head of Service. We’ve just appointed an Acting Head of Service. I said okay, go and check how much they are talking about.
“They said, we’ve not employed doctors. I said, Chairman, Civil Service Commission, go and employ them. I will not be a doctor. Go and employ them. They are now talking about improving the health facilities. The 2025 capital budget for health alone is about N25 billion. Ask them, when did we get our budget? We got our budget in July from the National Assembly”.
Speaking on efforts to improve street lighting in the FCT, Barr. Wike disclosed that the FCT Administration has devised new strategies, including four-year maintenance contracts with companies as well as the introduction of new technologies to prevent vandalism. He warned officials against any acts of corruption that could derail President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda in the FCT.
Expressing his commitment to the project delivery, the General Manager, Arab Contractor Nig. Ltd, Wa’el Faruk thanked the FCT Minister for his confidence in the company and assured him of the timely delivery of quality infrastructure in accordance with the highest standards.
