The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday inaugurated newly constructed arterial roads in Katampe, Abuja, taking the opportunity to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decisive leadership and commitment to contract execution.
Wike highlighted the visibly positive reception from residents, contrasting it with perpetual critics, during the ceremony.
Addressing President Tinubu, who was present alongside the Deputy Senate President, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, Minister Wike expressed gratitude.
“I’m sure that when you came out of the vehicle, you saw how happy the people were. That’s to tell you they appreciate and recognise the good works you are doing,” Wike stated.
He then remarked on those who “were born not to be happy,” suggesting their negativity could not detract from the evident joy and appreciation for the projects.
Wike specifically lauded President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and his stern stance on contractual agreements.
He emphasised that the Katampe road project was not inherited but awarded under the current administration. “This road was awarded by your administration.” It is not one of those projects that we inherited,” Wike confirmed, adding, “Having worked with you for a few years, I’ve seen how passionate you are about violation of contracts and abandonment of contracts.”
The minister further detailed the project’s swift progress, noting it was awarded by the Federal Executive Council last September and flagged off in October.
He conveyed his strict directives to the contractor: “I told the contractor, I said, ‘Listen, I don’t want to hear whatever it will take you. If I pay you during the rainy season, you must work in the rainy season. If I pay you in the dry season, you must work in the dry season. I don’t want to hear that; the rain was too much. Return the money so that we can keep it. After the rain, we can pay you.”
This resolute approach, Wike indicated, ensured the timely completion of the vital infrastructure.
The inauguration marks another milestone in the FCT’s infrastructural development efforts under the current administration, with Wike continually stressing accountability and efficient project delivery.
