FCT residents won’t send strangers to Senate – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared that residents of the territory would no longer send “strangers” to represent them in the Senate.

He insisted that only those who understand the needs of the people would earn their support in future elections.

Wike spoke on Tuesday during a “thank you” visit to Bwari Area Council, where he reiterated his commitment to delivering more development projects to the area under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Addressing a crowd of supporters, traditional rulers and political leaders, the minister said the time had come for politicians to keep faith with their promises, stressing that governance must be anchored on mutual understanding between leaders and the electorate.

“We have no business sending somebody to the Senate who does not understand what the people want,” Wike said. “We are not going to send people who do not know where you are living or who cannot identify with your challenges. We will send people who understand the people of Bwari and the FCT.” The minister said

He maintained that his administration had adopted a participatory approach to governance, recalling a town hall meeting held with stakeholders in Bwari, including traditional rulers, youth leaders and women groups, where residents articulated their priorities.

According to him, the FCT Administration had begun addressing those needs, assuring the people that more projects would follow.

Wike specifically promised that the ongoing road project linking Bwari to Kubwa would be completed before the end of the year.

He emphasised what he described as a covenant between leaders and the people, saying: “If you do your own part, we will do our own part. Agreement is agreement. When we agree on something and each side fulfils its responsibility, then the agreement stands.”

The minister thanked residents for their support during the last elections, noting that President Tinubu would not take their loyalty for granted.

He pledged that the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda would translate into tangible development in the FCT.

Wike also expressed confidence in the Chairman-elect of Bwari Area Council, Joshua Ishaku, describing him as a young and capable leader who would work closely with the FCT Administration to accelerate development in the council.

In his remarks, Ishaku thanked the minister for what he described as his humility in visiting Bwari to appreciate the people. He commended Wike’s leadership and visible infrastructural strides in the FCT within two years of assuming office.

The chairman-elect assured the minister of continued support from the people of Bwari, pledging that the council would sustain its backing for the administration’s programmes.

He expressed optimism that more roads, schools and healthcare facilities would be delivered to the area, in line with the promises made during the campaigns.

The event drew political stakeholders, community leaders and residents, who turned out in large numbers to receive the minister and his entourage.