Wike pledges more projects for Kuje, warns chairman against ‘away leadership’

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged more infrastructure projects for Kuje Area Council, warning the incoming council chairman against abandoning the people after assuming office.

Wike gave the assurance on Thursday during a thank-you visit to Kuje Area Council to appreciate residents for their support in the recent council elections.

Addressing traditional rulers, political leaders and residents, the minister said the federal government would continue to deliver projects to the area in recognition of the support given to President Bola Tinubu and candidates aligned with his administration.

He emphasised that politics should be a covenant between leaders and the people, stressing that elected officials must fulfil 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 said.

The minister noted that his visit to Kuje was part of Tinubu’s directive that government officials must return to communities to appreciate their support rather than take it for granted.

According to him, the administration had already delivered key projects requested by the people of the council.

Wike recalled that during a previous town hall meeting in Kuje, traditional rulers requested the completion of the road from Airport Junction to Kuje and the dualisation 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, had returned to site and was expected to be completed before the third anniversary of 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 site and assured us the road will be ready for inauguration during the President’s third anniversary,” he said.

Shettima mocks ADC over ‘fake’ entries on digital membership portal

Wike further disclosed that the 16-kilometre Kuje–Gwagwalada Road, being constructed by Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited, was progressing steadily and could be ready for commissioning by June.

Wike 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.

The minister also cautioned the incoming council chairman against distancing himself from the people after assuming office, stressing that leadership at the grassroots level requires constant engagement with residents.

“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,” Wike warned.

Wike 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,” Wike said.

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.

In his remarks, the Chairman-elect of Kuje Area Council, Danladi Samuel Shekwolo, expressed gratitude to Wike for supporting his campaign and pledged to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.

He also appealed to the minister to consider constructing key roads linking Kuje to neighbouring communities, including Gwagwa, Rubochi and Kebi, to boost economic activities in the council.

The chairman-elect assured residents that his administration would work closely with the FCT Administration to improve infrastructure and strengthen development in the area council.

The Star