Federal Capital Territory Minister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on Monday responded to accusations made by Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe, who represents the territory, asserting that she would lose the support of the people in the next election.
Senator Kingibe had earlier accused Wike of sidelining her and neglecting the masses in the FCT during an interview. Wike addressed these claims at the flag-off of the Mabushi Bus Terminal in Abuja, expressing disappointment over her remarks.
“I overheard somebody on Arise TV this morning. Unfortunately I hear the person is a member of the National Assembly and it is unfortunate I say so. With all due respect, what you don’t know, you don’t know, what you know you know, and the good thing for you is to tell people you don’t when you don’t know, then people will educate you,” Wike said.
He emphasized that he and the Minister of State had not been in office for more than 11 months and were being praised for their work. Wike criticized Kingibe for not collaborating with the FCT Administration and instead being upset about the administration’s achievements. “If you don’t want or you are angry about that, go and hang yourself on a transformer. If we have done well, we have done well. If we haven’t done well, we haven’t done well. I am proud to say that in the short time that Mr. President has appointed us, we have done well,” Wike stated.
Wike challenged Kingibe to show her legislative contributions, particularly in improving education and health sectors, and questioned her popularity. “You said there are no hospital and there are no hospitals. You, as a legislator, what have you done? How many bills have you sponsored for us to improve our education and health sector? I challenge that legislator. If you are very popular, 2027 come and run under Abuja, we will fail you,” he said.
Wike assured that as the FCT Minister, he would ensure the territory does not repeat past mistakes and stressed the importance of accepting the truth about the administration’s performance. “If you are angry that people are praising us, by next year your BP level will go very high because the praises you would see would be too much,” he added.
Kingibe had criticized the Wike-led administration for focusing on elite areas and neglecting the masses. She pointed out that in a Supplementary Budget of nearly N100 billion, only N19 billion was allocated for the people.
House of Representatives Speaker Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, who officially flagged off the construction of the bus terminal, praised Wike’s leadership and vision, stating that the minister had transformed Abuja significantly. “The exemplary leadership and vision of the Minister of the FCT in a remarkably short period has been impressive,” Abbas said.
Abbas commended Wike for his holistic approach to development, which extended beyond the city center to the Area Councils, promoting balanced growth. “His dedication and commitment have made Abuja a more modern and dynamic city,” Abbas noted, highlighting the importance of equitable development.
Abbas assured that the National Assembly would support Wike’s initiatives by enacting favorable legislation, ensuring adequate funding, and providing oversight for timely and high-standard project completion.
Wike also warned contractors against taking money from the FCT Administration without completing their jobs. “If you take our money you must do the job. So contractors must thank Mr. President for bringing back the hope of having confidence in our local contractors,” he said.
The minister emphasized the need for organized bus and taxi terminals to reduce insecurity in Abuja, proposing three new bus terminals in the Central Business District, Mabushi, and Kugbo as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
