The activities of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in the country’s capital have been deemed shameful by prominent activist and Free Nigeria Movement coordinator Moses Paul.
Paul was responding to Wike’s recent statement that Senator Ireti Kingibe of the Federal Capital Territory would not be running for office again in 2027.
Reactions to his statement were divided; many criticized him for speaking in an undemocratic manner given that he isn’t even able to vote in the Federal Capital Territory.
Paul stated in a statement on Wednesday that the FCT Minister’s actions are a perfect illustration of this situation, in which superficial adjustments are given precedence over significant advancement and real development.
He declared, “Wike’s actions in the FCT are nothing short of disgraceful. After commissioning a mere bus stop motor park, he had the audacity to derogate Senator Ireti Kingibe.
“This comes after he received a staggering 1.2 trillion Naira to fix roads in the FCT, along with an additional 93 billion Naira from the supplementary budget to complete ongoing projects that were already funded. Yet, instead of tangible progress, we see petty projects and public insults. Wike’s behaviour epitomizes the lack of accountability plaguing Nigeria.
“It is a tragic reality that in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, public officials misappropriate government funds for trivial projects and then tout them as achievements. A perfect example is the recent use of public funds to merely paint streets, which is then egregiously touted as a remarkable accomplishment. This is the evidence of how entrenched corruption, impunity and mismanagement have become in our society.
“When a continent and a country like Nigeria have been plagued by darkness, literal and metaphorical for so long, even the faintest glimmer of light is often mistaken for a brighter future. But in reality, it is just a faint flicker of tokenism. The actions of the FCT Minister are a prime example of this phenomenon, where cosmetic changes are prioritised over meaningful development and genuine progress.
“It is high time we recognised and rejected this culture of mediocrity, demanding tangible results and true accountability from our leaders. Only then can we begin to build a brighter future for all.”
Paul claimed that Senator Ireti Kingibe bravely confronted authority by stating that Wike was ineffective. The senator also bemoaned the appalling condition of basic amenities in Abuja and emphasized the urgent need for prioritizing in vital areas.
“By speaking out against the inadequacies of Governor Wike’s administration, Senator Kingibe demonstrated her commitment to holding leaders accountable for their responsibilities. Her words resonated with the struggles of everyday citizens, who face the harsh realities of inadequate public services,” Paul added.
He said the senator emphasized the aggravation of locals who have to put up with deteriorating infrastructure and a dearth of basic amenities in spite of the large sums of money set aside for upgrades.
