By Joyce Remi – Babayeju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has pledged more infrastructure projects for Kuje Area Council, as he cautioned the new council chairman against “solo leadership” which abandons the people after assuming office.
Wike stressed that leadership at the grassroots level requires constant engagement with residents.
Wike made this pledge on Thursday during a thank you visit to the people of Kuje Area Council to appreciate their support in the recent council elections.
Speaking to the traditional rulers, political leaders, and residents, Wike said that the federal government would continue to deliver projects to the area for their support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the candidates who have aligned with his administration.
According to him, politics should be an agreement between leaders and the people, and so elected officials must fulfill their promises.
“Politics should be a contract between those elected and the people who elected them. It is not where our people vote for you, and at the end of the day you disappear,” Wike stressed.
The minister told the people that his visit to Kuje was on President Tinubu’s directive that politicians must return to communities to thank the people for their support rather than take it for granted.
He noted that the administration had already delivered key projects requested by the people of the council, recalling how traditional rulers had, during a town hall meeting in Kuje, requested the completion of the road from Airport Junction to Kuje and the dualization of the Kuje Garage Road.
He said the Garage Road project had already been completed and commissioned, while the Airport Road to Kuje project, being handled by Arab Contractors was expected to be completed before the third anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration.
“We did not only award the Garage Road; it has been completed and commissioned. The contractor handling the Airport Road to Kuje has also returned to the site and assured us the road will be ready for inauguration during the President’s third anniversary,” he said.
Wike also said that the 16-kilometer Kuje–Gwagwalada road, being constructed by Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited, was progressing steadily and could be ready for commissioning by June.
He assured residents that additional projects would commence once the newly elected chairman assumes office.
“By the time your chairman is sworn in, we will sit with the traditional rulers and decide which of the roads you mentioned we will start first,” he said.
Again, the minister cautioned, “Don’t be an away chairman. Be a home chairman. When you were campaigning, you were always at home. Now that you have won, do not run away from your people.”
He added that power and money often change people quickly, urging the incoming chairman to remain humble and committed to the welfare of the people.
“Power and money are two things that can change a man within seconds. But I believe you will not abandon your people,” he said.
While expressing satisfaction with the outcome of the council election in Kuje, he noted that the results were a reflection of the people’s confidence in the administration.
Earlier, the outgoing chairman of Kuje Area Council, Abdullahi Sabo, thanked the minister for visiting the council to appreciate residents for their peaceful conduct before and after the elections.
He described Wike as a unifier and bridge builder whose leadership had accelerated development across the FCT.
Sabo also urged residents to support the incoming administration to ensure continuity of development in the council.
The Chairman-elect of Kuje Area Council, Danladi Samuel Shekwolo, expressed his appreciation to the minister for supporting his campaign and pledged to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
He also appealed that the minister should consider constructing connecting roads linking Kuje to neighbouring communities, including Gwagwa, Rubochi and Kebi, to boost economic activities in the council.
Finally, he assured residents that his administration would work closely with the FCT Administration to improve infrastructure and strengthen development in the area council.
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