Wike predicts victory for APC councils’ poll

The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge victorious in the territory’s forthcoming council polls. Speaking during a year-end media chat on Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Wike noted that unlike previous administrations that concentrated development in the city centre, the current leadership had […]

The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge victorious in the territory’s forthcoming council polls.

Speaking during a year-end media chat on Monday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Wike noted that unlike previous administrations that concentrated development in the city centre, the current leadership had extended its reach to rural areas.

He said, “You support candidates based on what your party has been able to do. Today, I have a reason to say, ‘Vote for this area council chairman’, based on their performance. Whether you like President Tinubu or not, the issue is: what has he done to change the FCT? Today, the rural areas are seeing the impact of government.”

Addressing reforms in land administration, the minister clarified that while some decisions might be unpopular with the elite, they were carried out in accordance with the law to protect investors.

Reacting to the FCT’s recent ranking among the top five sub-nationals in the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria, Wike attributed the success to the administration’s commitment to security and infrastructure development in both the city centre and the area councils.

He said, “We are creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Abuja is doing well because certain parameters—security and infrastructure—are being met. If you don’t have a safe environment and a good road network, businesses will run away.”

Wike specifically noted that the opening of new road networks had significantly improved movement and productivity within the city, while the renovation of schools had enhanced the learning environment.

He added, “Today you can go to work because the roads have been opened up. We are also renovating schools and improving the learning environment. We have awarded no less than 200 contracts to improve our schools.

“Similarly, we are renovating health facilities to provide high-quality medical infrastructure.

“You cannot say this government is not doing anything to improve education and health. If you are staying in the FCT, you can see the improvement. If you don’t have a good road, that affects your life.”