Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister, Nyesom Wike, has dared critics of his policies, most especially, the proposed construction of Vice President’s residence, insisting that he would remain focused and bold in taking decisions.
He maintained that FCT Administration will not be distracted by critics of government policies, explaining that the FCT Administration has taken the decision to do what is best for the generality of people as mandated by the President.
Wike, who spoke during the flagged off the resurfacing and rehabilitation of existing roads in the Asokoro District of the FCT at the AYA round-about in Abuja on Thursday, disclosed that the rehabilitation project was part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking on the recent demonstrations against some of the policies of the FCT Administration, Wike said the administration will remain focused and courageous in taking decisions favourable to residents of the FCT.
According to him, “The policies you make, it may not favour some people, but what is important is the generality of the people, not few people who benefit at the detriment of others”.
On the construction of the Vice President’s residence which has been a subject of public discourse, the Minister clarified that the contract was awarded in 2010 by the Federal Government to Julius Berger, at the cost of N7 billion, adding that the project was abandoned for 13 years.
He said the FCT Administration, as a responsible government is duty bound to complete the project to avoid the wastage of tax payers’ money, adding that the project has duly been sent to the Bureau of Public Procurement, with the approval of the President, for the final nod of how much will be spent.
The Minister said, “People should not be sentimental and telling lies. We did not award that contract. All we are merely doing, because of our policy of not leaving other project to be abandoned, we felt we should continue with those projects”. He therefore called for the support of FCT residents for the policies and programmes of government.
Also speaking on the imperative of the road rehabilitation exercise, the Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud said FCT roads over the years have suffered the effect of time and usage, leading to portholes, uneven surfaces and general deterioration.
She said the rehabilitation of the roads mark a significant step towards revitalization of infrastructure and enhancing the overall quality of life of FCT residents, saying that it reflects the commitment of the FCT to safety and economic prosperity.
Noting that improved road surfaces mean safer journeys for commuters in the FCT as well a reduction of accidents and vehicular damages, Dr Mahmoud added that the exercise will also improve the pride and beauty of the communities in the FCT. She commended the FCT minister for the bold steps taken to carry out the rehabilitation works and called for the understanding of road users during the period of the exercise.
In their separate remarks, the Chairmen, Senate and House of Representatives Committees on FCT, Senator Ibrahim Bomai and Hon. Aliyu Mukhtar Betara, respectively promised to cooperate with the FCT Administration to ensure the success of all projects in the FCT.
On his part, the MD Arab Contractor – the construction company in charge of the project, Engr. Mohammed El-Edaros thanked the FCT Minister for his support and also assured that the project would be completed within schedule
Dignitaries present during the exercise include the Chairmen of Abuja Municipal and Kwali Area Councils, Christopher Maikalangu and Danladiu Chiya respectively, Chairman, FCT Council of Chiefs and the Ona of Abaji, Alhaji Adamu Yunusa, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmed, Mandate Secretaries, Directors and other senior officials of the FCT Administration.
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