Support leaders with access to govt, Wike tells FCT residents

Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Nyesom Wike, has urged residents of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), and adjoining communities to support political leaders who have direct access to government, stressing that such leaders are best positioned to attract meaningful development to the grassroots.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony of the Lot 2 Water Project in the Jikoyi-Karu Axis, Wike said it was a waste of time supporting politicians without influence or connection to government.

He also promised the construction of a long-abandoned 2km road in Karu Site, a request he said was made by Senator Philip Aduda.

Wike said: “Don’t support those who go to the National Television every day to talk, talk, talk. This is not the time to cry. This is the time to bring something to the people.

“‎Now, Aduda, the road where you said is about 2km, what is the name of that road? Karu site? Consider it done.”

The FCT Minister maintained that the former lawmaker representing the FCT, Senator Philip Aduda, and the current AMAC Chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, have demonstrated capacity and credibility by facilitating roads and infrastructure projects across the council.

“A person who can go to the government and say, ‘give us this,’ and the government will give, is who you should support. Don’t waste your time on those who have no access to government. One thing about government and politics, support those who have capacity to bring something to the people.” Wike declared.

He added that the Tinubu-led administration was committed to fulfilling its promises, noting that the ongoing Greater Abuja Water Project was already extending potable water to satellite towns such as Karu, Orozo, Kurudu, and neighbouring communities.

The minister recalled that successive governments had neglected Karu and its environs, but assured residents that by June next year, potable and treated water would be available to thousands of households.

Highlighting past interventions, Wike listed Saburi, Ketti, Kabusa, Takushara, and Dei-Dei roads as some of the projects facilitated by the AMAC Chairman through direct collaboration with the FCT Administration.

Speaking on the importance of portable water provision, Wike said, “Water is life. It is even more important than roads, because we cannot live without water. This project is a covenant between the government and the people, agreement is agreement,” he stressed.

Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described water as one of the most essential resources for life and development. She noted that the project underscored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which continues to yield tangible benefits for rural communities.

According to her, potable water sustains health, supports agriculture, drives industry, and maintains ecosystems. She extended profound appreciation to the President for prioritising projects that directly touch the lives of ordinary citizens.

On his part, the acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Richard Yohanna Dauda, explained that the Karu Water Project would involve the construction of about 194 kilometres of transmission and distribution pipelines.

The water project, which will form part of the projects to be commissioned to mark the third anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration, is expected to deliver safe and reliable drinking water to nearly 334,000 residents of Karu and its environs.

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