Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has criticised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for rejecting a court judgment that invalidated its David Mark-led National Working Committee, insisting that political parties must respect judicial decisions and prioritise the welfare of Nigerians.
Wike, who spoke on Monday at a stakeholders’ meeting in Kwali Area Council of the FCT, said political parties should serve as vehicles for achieving political objectives and good governance rather than platforms for endless internal disputes.
He cautioned opposition politicians against what he described as media-driven criticism and political posturing, arguing that such engagements had failed to translate into meaningful development for residents of the territory.
“Isn’t it that a party is a vehicle that you enter intentionally to go where you are going? When you get there, you talk about development, you talk about good governance, and how you can bring welfare to your people,” Wike said.
The minister also questioned the rationale behind persistent political disagreements, stressing that public interest should take precedence over partisan considerations.
He commended chairmen of area councils who had resolved to work together across party lines, describing their collaboration as necessary for the development of the FCT.
“There is no need to be fighting. For the interest of the people, for the interest of FCT—that is what we are talking about,” he added.
Wike further defended the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying it had taken significant steps towards addressing the longstanding demand for greater administrative and financial autonomy for the FCT.
He identified the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, the appointment of an indigenous Head of Service and the removal of the territory from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) framework as some of the administration’s major achievements.
According to him, these measures had contributed to an increase in the FCT’s internally generated revenue from N9 billion to more than N40 billion.
On infrastructure, the minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to completing abandoned road projects across the territory.
He warned that contractors, who lacked the capacity to execute projects would have their contracts revoked, adding that the government would take necessary measures to ensure the timely delivery of critical infrastructure.
In his remarks, the Etsu of Kwali, His Royal Highness Luka Ayedoo Nizassan III, endorsed the minister’s position, saying traditional rulers and communities in the area were prepared to support the administration’s development agenda.
Speaking on behalf of the Kwali Council of Chiefs, the monarch cited the Dr. Ladi Kwali Road, Sukuku-Yangoji Road and Gwagwalada-Dafa road network as examples of infrastructure projects that had improved connectivity between rural communities and the city centre.
Olawale Ajimotokan
Follow us on:
