…Defends SUVs for traditional rulers, says over 270km of roads constructed across satellite towns
By Our Reporter
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has accused opposition parties and political figures of double standards and hypocrisy in their reactions to judicial decisions, particularly the recent judgment nullifying the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket of former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar.
Wike spoke on Monday at a Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting in Kwali Area Council, where he faulted opposition figures for praising the judiciary when court decisions favoured them but accusing the President of influencing the courts whenever judgments went against their interests.
He recalled that when the ADC won a case at the Supreme Court, its members described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man and a defender of democracy.
However, he said their position changed after losing another case, with some accusing President Bola Tinubu of using the judiciary to weaken the opposition.
“When ADC had a matter in court and won at the Supreme Court, they said, ‘The court is the last hope,’ ‘The court has saved democracy,’ and ‘We know our judiciary will not fail us.’
“But when they lost a court case, it became: ‘The President is using the court to fight the opposition.’ When it is good for you, the judiciary is clear. When it is bad, you claim they are using it to destroy democracy. What kind of system are we operating?” he queried.
The FCT minister also defended the administration’s decision to provide brand-new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to first-class traditional rulers in the territory, dismissing criticisms that the gesture amounted to political inducement or bribery.
He argued that traditional rulers deserved dignity and respect, questioning why those occupying such revered positions should be expected to depend on public transport while government officials and political appointees enjoyed official vehicles.
“You want a first-class traditional ruler to be walking on the road with a stick in hand, taking public buses so they can get hit by a car one day? But you expect Chief Press Secretaries to Governors, Chairmen, and Presidents to ride SUVs?” he asked.
Wike insisted that his administration would continue to provide support for traditional institutions despite the criticisms.
On infrastructure, he highlighted ongoing development projects across the FCT satellite towns, disclosing that more than 270 kilometres of roads were being constructed, with 95 kilometres executed in Kwali alone.
He said the road projects were nearing completion and would be inaugurated in December, urging residents to support the Tinubu administration and APC candidates in the 2027 general elections as a way of rewarding performance.
Wike canvassed support for Tinubu’s re-election, Senator Philip Aduda for the FCT Senate seat and Danladi Chiya for the Abuja South Federal Constituency.
He expressed confidence that Kwali, Gwagwalada and Abaji would deliver overwhelming support for the APC in the next general elections.
“I don’t need to preach to you any longer. The one you are seeing is what you follow, not the one that will give you unfulfilled promises. I will go to sleep tonight because I know Kwali, Gwagwalada, and Abaji are 100 per cent for APC,” he declared.
The minister also promised N10 million to every councillor who successfully delivered his or her political ward for Tinubu and other APC candidates in the FCT.
He urged councillors to intensify grassroots mobilisation by engaging community leaders, youth groups and associations to secure support for the President.
Wike said the Rainbow Coalition was committed to the collective interests of FCT residents, adding that the platform had helped bridge political divides in pursuit of effective representation and accelerated development.
He praised Tinubu for taking decisions he said previous administrations had failed to take, particularly in addressing the political and administrative challenges facing the territory.
Among the achievements he attributed to the current administration were the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, the appointment of an FCT Head of Service, financial autonomy for area councils and extensive infrastructure development across the satellite towns.
He lamented what he described as the longstanding marginalisation of the FCT, noting that despite its estimated population of between six and seven million, the territory had only one Senate seat and two House of Representatives seats.
“For 50 years, nobody could remember you. The President has changed the narrative, given you your own civil service, allowed you to employ your people, and elevated your traditional stools. You cannot afford to make a mistake in 2027,” he warned.
Wike also promised to look into the salaries of FCT councillors following an appeal by the Chairman of the National Councillors Forum of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, Gambo Hamza, who disclosed that councillors receive N260,000 monthly.
In his remarks, the APC Chairman in the FCT, Ishaku Yamawo, commended Wike for bringing political stakeholders across party lines together and promoting development in the territory.
Similarly, the FCT Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mohammed Dogara, praised the minister’s performance and assured him of massive support to ensure Tinubu’s victory in 2027.
Speaking on behalf of Rainbow Coalition stakeholders in the FCT, Dr Aliyu Baka expressed regret over what he described as the coalition’s electoral mistakes in 2023, declaring that its members were fully prepared to work for the victory of Tinubu and other candidates in the next general elections.
