Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign will be anchored on tangible, visible projects delivered to improve the livelihoods of citizens rather than empty political promises.
Speaking to newsmen following an inspection tour of key satellite town road projects—including the long-awaited Apo-Karshi road and the 14-kilometre Bwari-Kubwa road—the Minister expressed delight that the administration has turned longstanding infrastructure challenges into concrete achievements.
This was contained in a statement on Saturday by Rabi Musa Umar, Deputy Director of Press in the office of the Minister.
“Campaign is not about promises; it is about what you put into action that impacts the lives of the people,” Wike stated. “The administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered for the residents of the FCT. Our team can go home satisfied that promises made have been fulfilled.”
Speaking on the 13.5km Apo-Karshi road project, the Minister explained that the contract was awarded as far back as 2011 and was among the abandoned projects inherited by the current administration. Citing its importance to residents and persistent complaints over the delay, the Minister said the original contract was terminated and re-awarded to SCC, a firm he described as having the capacity to deliver.
The Minister commended SCC for continuing work on the project despite payment delays, calling it a sign of confidence in the administration’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations. He said the contractor has projected a November completion date.
The Minister also highlighted progress on the 14-kilometre Bwari-Kubwa Road, a project he said residents never imagined would materialize. He stated that the project is expected to be handed over to the FCT Administration by December.
“I have said by December this project will be handed over to us. Now it’s for the people here to also do their own part by appreciating Mr. President for not just making promises but making promises and fulfilling those promises. So, I’m highly delighted”, the Minister stressed.
Remarking on his three years anniversary in office, the Minister thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, acknowledging that the tenure had not been without challenges but expressing satisfaction that his team had worked to overcome them. He pointed to his prior record as a local government chairman, a former Minister of State, and a former Governor of Rivers State as evidence of his commitment to public service.
The Minister announced plans to publish a comprehensive record of infrastructure projects inherited from previous administrations — dating back to the Obasanjo, Yar’Adua, Jonathan, and Buhari governments — alongside projects awarded and completed under the current administration, to allow the public to independently assess performance.
On concerns that commercial taxi drivers continue to pick up passengers along FCT roads rather than using designated terminals such as the Mabushi Bus Terminal, the Minister said the administration would continue enforcement action, including impounding and possible auctioning of vehicles found operating outside designated parks, to compel compliance with transport regulations.
Responding to questions about unauthorized use of green areas for vehicle sales in the FCT, the Minister also clarified that building approvals are typically issued by relevant departments and agencies rather than directly by his office. He confirmed that a task force has been established to clear such encroachments and that any vehicle found in designated green areas would be impounded, with the possibility of auction for non-compliance.
“We must restore order,” the Minister asserted. “If you do not vacate the green areas or use the accredited terminals, we will impound and auction those vehicles. Everyone must obey the rules”, the Minister stated.
Addressing questions about a possible role as Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, the Minister said he would decline such a position if offered, citing historical precedent of past campaign leaders who lost their home states in previous elections. He stressed that political credibility, in his view, rests on a leader’s ability to deliver results in their own state, referencing his responsibility for both the FCT and Rivers State.
About the Author
