MNN Hub
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has vowed that neither blackmail nor sponsored protests will derail his commitment to delivering infrastructure and development for residents of Abuja.
Wike made the declaration on Tuesday during the inauguration of the Phase 2 Water Project in the capital city.
Responding to reports about alleged debts owed to “local contractors,” the minister dismissed the claims as fraudulent. “Let anybody who says I awarded them contracts bring the documents,” he said.
He accused some civil servants of illegally generating debts by awarding contracts without due approval. “Many of the so-called debts were generated by civil servants who sat in their offices awarding contracts of N10 million, N15 million, or N20 million without ministerial approval. Now they want to blackmail the Minister into paying. Certainly, that will not happen. Nobody can intimidate me,” Wike declared.
The minister described the pushback as an attempt by corrupt interests to frustrate his reforms. “This is corruption fighting back against my reforms, but I will defeat it,” he added.
Highlighting his achievements, Wike revealed that the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had risen sharply from N9 billion monthly before his tenure to over N30 billion currently. He argued that such fiscal prudence made Abuja’s new infrastructure projects possible.
Read also: US revokes over 6,000 student visas amid immigration crackdown
“If we were not prudent, how have we been able to fund the massive infrastructure we are commissioning today? Those protesting are not genuine contractors. Look at their faces, do they look like those who built the roads we are commissioning? They were sponsored by those who benefitted from past corruption,” he stated.
Wike also criticized the wasteful spending habits of previous administrations, noting that abandoned projects were caused by funds being diverted into unnecessary expenses. “Abuja’s abandoned projects were a result of funds being diverted into unnecessary expenses like frequent foreign trips and inflated procurement of items such as computers,” he said.
Rejecting the idea that leadership should focus on popularity, the minister stressed results over approval. “This is not a beauty contest. I am not here to be loved. I am here to work. Carry your love and go, I want results. The only love I want is for residents to feel the impact of governance: roads, schools, hospitals, water, and security. That is development,” Wike asserted.
Reflecting on his political journey, he emphasized his independence and resilience. “From my days as a council chairman till now, I have never allowed anyone to dictate to me. Pray 24 hours, it won’t change anything. What is right will be done, and what is wrong will not pass. Abuja must change, and we will change it,” he maintained.
Wike concluded by assuring that his administration will be remembered for restoring order, blocking financial leakages, and investing in projects that directly improve the lives of residents. “By the time I leave office, history would record my administration as one that restored discipline, blocked waste, and redirected resources into tangible development for the Federal Capital Territory,” he affirmed.
Source: RipplesNigeria | Read Full Story…
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings