Shuns anti-government protest, Wike begs FCT residents

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has called on residents of the Federal Capital Territory to shun any planned protest in the nation’s capital.

The FCT Minister made the call in Abuja on Thursday, July 25, 2024 when he inspected the ongoing construction of the 5km access road from the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) to the old Keffi road, also known as Saburi Road, in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the FCT.

Barr. Wike, who spoke in pidgin English while interacting with residents of Saburi, said those behind the protests were only working for their selfish interests, adding that the problems in the country could not be solved by acts of protests.

He empathized with FCT residents over the economic difficulties in the country and reassured that the government was sincere, committed, and working round the clock to provide the needed succor.

The Minister also expressed confidence in the ability of the Bola Government to bring about the desired change in the country, stressing that the difficulties occasioned by the economic reforms were temporary and would soon be a thing of the past and sued for patience among FCT residents.

He said, “I know say so many things don spoil before now, no bi so? And when everything spoil like that , e no go just be overnight you go do everything well again, no bi am? e go take small small. I know say as all of us dey here, you expect say as this government come, every problem e go solve am within one day, is it possible?

“What is giving people hope be say as we come we say we go do this road and we start to do it. Which means in the future things go better. If you know how bad things dey for this country before now..so make una have patient and see wetin go happen, see weda things no go better. That is the promise”

Speaking on the impact of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government in the FCT, the Minister said hope was gradually being restored in the FCT with the accelerated provision of vital infrastructure, which has helped to improve the lives of the people.

The Minister while also responding to a request by a member of the Saburi community for the provision of a police station and health center in the community, assured that they would be provided in due course.

Barr. Wike who was accompanied on the inspection visit by the AMAC Chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, the Coordinator, Satelite Town Development Department (STDD), Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, former Senator representing the FCT, Senator Tanimu Aduda amongst others, used the opportunity to extract a commitment from the AMAC Chairman to provide a health center, while committing that the FCTA will construct a police station for the community.

While assuring the members of the community that the FCTA will build a police station for the community soon, the Minister urged them to hold the chairman responsible if they do not get the health centre.

He further urged members of the community to go on about their legitimate businesses and resist any attempt to lure them into joining any form of protests against the government in the FCT while assuring them that the FCT Administration will continue to work towards bringing development to the FCT and residents.

The Minister said that the Saburi Road under construction was one of such project by the FCTA aimed at opening up and bringing development to the FCT.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Lubrick Construction, the construction company handling the road project, Mr. Anthony El-Khoury, assured the Minister that the project was going according to the schedule and will be completed on time.