President Bola Tinubu on Sunday described the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCT), Nyesom Wike as a Master of Infrastructure who within less than two years has initiated progressive ideas leading to the effective functioning of the city.
“He is a master of infrastructure. I must thank the Honourable Minister of FCT. It’s worth it. It is nothing other than a privilege to be the landlord of every one of us in Abuja,” Tinubu said while receiving Muslim faithful in the nation’s capital.
An excited President Tinubu explained that he was hopeful that Wike’s good performance would translate into a victory in Abuja for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 election and not for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which the Minister still officially belongs.
Minister Wike had led a delegation of prominent FCT residents on a traditional Sallah homage to mark the end of Ramadan fasting and Eid-el-Fitr.
President Tinubu listed some of the various initiatives and projects executed by Minister Wike stressing that they have translated to better lives for Abuja residents, for which he remains grateful to the Minister.
While appreciating the caliber of persons in the delegation, Tinubu said: “I could see the diversity of men and women here, I must thank the Honourable Minister of FCT. It’s worth it. It is nothing other than a privilege to be the landlord of every one of us in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
“When we started, he (Minister) came up with a lot of good ideas to liberate the bureaucracy, bring forward-looking, progressive thinking to the administration, and allow many of you that would have still been hindered by property rights.
“The Independent Civil Service Commission solution and all of that, that we discussed give opportunity for upward mobility and promotions that is consistent with the civil service structure, the Area Councils structure, and the indiscriminate development in the face of dwindling resources,” Tinubu noted.
The President continues “I remember the day Nyesom Wike came to me and said, ‘Please, take us out of this problem of Treasury Single Account (TSA), so that I can do more work, and achieve more’. Then I said, ‘Okay, tell me what you are about to do’.
“And he presented it, and I threw in my political guide: ‘Would that give me any opportunity for my party (APC) to win the election in FCT? I said I know where you are coming from, your party (PDP) or my party. If this thing goes too much in your own favour, you will lose your job.’ Then he said, ‘Okay, we will settle that, Oga.’
“And things started changing rapidly, and I started looking at the opening up of the rural areas, of abandoned projects, and the residence of the Vice- President that has been abandoned for years came alive,” the President said.
According to Tinubu, “The health centers are being rehabilitated. The health facilities of the residents of FCT are being upgraded. Our teachers at schools are being rehabilitated, and buildings are being furnished. Thank you, Wike.”
Still praising Wike, the President said “We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouths to even celebrate, if not, because of the progressive ideas you have given. Today, we are living in peace and security is improving. There is satisfaction in our output. The hunger is coming down. Food prices lowering. We can go to the market and do business.
“Our people are looking for results. They are looking for comfort. They are praying for good health. They are looking for a fairer, somebody with a heart. It is not about me, it’s about every one of us, and the diversity of Nigeria is being proved by Nyesom Wike.
“Strengthen that diversity to develop prosperity, seeing that we are all members of one family living together in the same house but we are staying in different rooms. We belong to one family of hope and belief in Nigeria.
“I thank all of you for believing in that. For the cooperation collaboration, and belief in the positive idea that we can live in peace and harmony with one another, regardless of ethnic, religious diversity, and faith. I thank you.”
President Tinubu stated further, “Surprisingly, Nyesom Wike is not from the North. He is not a Hausa man. He is from the southern part of Nigeria, and his ability to work in the center of the northern part of Nigeria is yielding fruits. That is a very good reflection of our diversity that we must use for our prosperity.”
The President concluded that “l am just a custodian of your trust. It’s only Almighty Allah that gives power. And he says, if I give it to you, you must use it righteously. You must be humane. You must follow my teachings. And do great things. To show that, I granted you that privilege as a temporary article of faith, and I’m the only one who can take it away from you if you don’t know how to use it.”
Speaking with State House correspondents after the visit, Minister Wike expressed elation that the President described him as Master of Infrastructure, saying: “I feel very happy that my boss has confidence in me.
“If your boss, in public, says that you are doing well, that, of course, is an encouragement for you to continue doing the job that you’ve been assigned.
“For us, we’re happy to be identified in this administration and we’ll continue to do what Abuja people will be happy with. So I’m happy each time Mr. President talks about us and tries to say the little we have done, that means that he’s watching and we will not disappoint him.”
Wike also said, that as the Tinubu administration approaches its second Term in May 2025, the FCT has again lined up impactful projects for commissioning by the President.
“As we approach the second anniversary of your administration, we are excited about the array of impactful projects that we have lined up for commissioning.
“These projects, designed to improve infrastructure, economic opportunities, and the overall quality of life, stand as evidence of your administration’s commitment to national development.
“We look forward to hosting Your Excellency in the FCT to witness firsthand the tangible progress that has been made under your leadership over the last 12 months,” Minister Wike noted.
