Good Citizens Call Government’s Attention To Fix Neglected Areas — Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Nyesom Wike, has urged Nigerians to demonstrate good citizenship by drawing government’s attention to neglected areas rather than resorting to social media criticism.

Wike who stated this during the commissioning of the ILS11 (Esther Bali Street) and MAR24 (Kez Udezue Street) in Mabushi District in Abuja, said responsible citizens are those who think about the welfare of their country and constructively engage the government for development.

He explained that no government, regardless of tenure, can complete all projects, stressing that citizens play a key role in helping the government identify areas needing attention. “It is the responsibility of good citizens to call government’s attention to problems, not to castigate leaders online,” Wike stated.

The Minister narrated how a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Damian Dodo, drew his attention to the poor state of Ken Udezue Road. According to him, after receiving the report, he immediately directed the Acting Executive Secretary of FCDA to inspect the site and engage a competent contractor to fix the road.

“In just one week, the work commenced. That’s what responsive governance means,” Wike said.

Wike commended Dodo for his civic responsibility, saying such actions exemplify patriotism and partnership with the government. “Ordinarily, I would have renamed the road after him, but I don’t know who Ken Udezue is before people bring ethnicity issues. However, the FCT will honor him for being a good citizen,” he added.

The Minister cautioned citizens against politicizing governance and using social media to undermine government efforts. He criticized Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, accusing him of mismanagement during his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

“You governed for eight years but deposited the state’s money in a bank you had shares, instead of using it for development,” Wike alleged.

Wike further challenged Obi’s leadership competence, saying he failed to manage his political party yet seeks to govern a complex country like Nigeria. “You cannot manage a small party and want to manage a country of over 200 million people,”

Commending Lubrik Construction for promptly completing the road, Wike praised their confidence in the FCT Administration and promised continued partnership with serious contractors.

He also appreciated the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) for their diligence, saying he demands accountability and hard work from his team.

The Minister disclosed that the FCT will soon embark on new projects, including an alternative road for the Body of Benchers and the construction of a 300-bed hostel for male and female students at the Nigerian Law School, all approved by President Bola Tinubu.

He applauded the President for his swift responses to the capital city’s needs, describing him as a leader committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda.

In her remarks, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud thanked President Tinubu for his unwavering support and commended Wike for his dynamic leadership, describing him as “the driver of the Renewed Hope Agenda” whose commitment has accelerated infrastructure renewal in the FCT.

Dr. Mahmoud urged residents to maintain public facilities and value government investments. “These roads belong to you; may they serve your daily lives with ease and safety,” she stated.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji