FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has affirmed the current administration’s commitment to making difficult but necessary decisions to transform Abuja, regardless of entrenched interests.
Wike, who spoke at a media chat held at his Life Camp Official Residence on Monday, emphasized that the FCT is now “working” due to a willingness to address long-standing issues that his predecessors shied away from.
HE described the current administration as having the courage to “annoy people” and “step on toes” in the pursuit of good governance.
He adds, “People had said that FCT was not working and now FCT is working. I’m doing things that they refused to do. I have found out that most of them didn’t have the courage to annoy people, to step on toes.
“I take joy when I step on the toes of big men. Those who say that nothing will happen, I take joy in saying that something will happen. All you want me to do is to take decisions against the poor people, but you the rich man, nothing will happen.
“Something will happen and that’s why we are getting results. If you don’t do the right thing, too bad. I don’t care. The only person I owe an explanation to is Mr. President.”
According to a statement from Assistant Director, Press, (Office of the Hon. Minister), Rabi Musa Umar, Wike also reiterated the FCTA’s firm stance on collecting outstanding ground rents, some dating back 30 years, to combat impunity and ensure the availability of funds for infrastructure development. He dismissed claims of insufficient notice, stating that the condition for ground rent payment is clearly outlined in title grants.
He also stressed that his decisions are driven solely by a commitment to good governance and national progress, rather than any regional or religious affiliations.
“I’m not doing it because I’m from a certain place or I belong to a certain religion. I’m doing it because I have to support the government, I have to make a difference,” he said.
He however, challenged those complaining about the enforcement to acknowledge and pay up their ground rent arrears, emphasizing that without revenue, essential infrastructure cannot be provided.
