By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister Barr. Nysome Wike cautioned the management of the newly established South-South Development Commission,SSDC to shun all forms of political distractions and focus on their mission.
Wike offered this caution when the Board and Management of the newly established South-South Development Commission ( SSDC, led by the board chairman, Prince Chinudom Nwuche, and managing director, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, visited him in his office in Abuja on Wednesday.
The FCT minister cautioned the SSDC leadership not to entertain political distractions, sentiments, or external pressures harming the commission’s mandate.
He warned that regional development agencies in the past collapsed under the weight of corruption, divided loyalties, and poor leadership.
He said, “The development of your region depends heavily on your commitment. Too many people see an appointment as an opportunity to announce, “I have arrived.”
He decried instances where many officeholders are not committed to the job, noting, The only way to justify your appointment and make the President proud is to work relentlessly to deliver the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Wike criticized past performances of agencies such as the NDDC, recalling how contractors “rushed into Abuja with empty portfolios, while billions of naira yielded very low impact.
He warned the SSDC board not to repeat the mistakes of duplication of projects, politically motivated contracts, or abandoning community engagement.
“Don’t go and do streets that lead only to one person’s house. Don’t duplicate projects state or local governments are already doing. Go to the communities, ask them what their immediate needs are. Support the president fully. Don’t divide your loyalty. Your loyalty is to the president who appointed you,” he emphasized.
The FCT Minister agreed that he has faced continuous political attacks since assuming office, said such pressures never diminished his integrity in public service.
“I am here as minister because I knew I could do the work. And yes, you will step on toes. But I’m not afraid as long as I’m doing the right thing.”
Wike admonished the SSDC team: work in unity, maintain discipline in project execution, avoid liabilities, resist pressures for undue contract awards, and ensure fiscal responsibility.
“Today, you are united because there’s no project and no money yet. But the moment 50 billion drops and someone spends it without approval, fights will start. Don’t let that be your legacy,” he cautioned.
Wike commended the qualifications of the commissioners and directors, noting that the South-South region expects a different and exemplary performance.
“In the name of the South-South region, show a difference. Don’t make Mr. President think he made a mistake. Give him that happiness and go along with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.
Responding, Ms. Akpabio assured the minister that the commission would not betray its mandate.
“On behalf of the good people of the South-South Development Commission, be assured that we are fully committed to delivering on our mandate to drive regional development and economic growth,” she said, adding that the commission would strengthen its liaison office in Abuja to ensure robust engagement with federal agencies.
