By Stanley Onyekwere
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has stressed the need for support of the FCT Administration workforce and residents, to immediately achieve the turnaround of Abuja into a great and befitting capital city.
Wike added that his mission to make Abuja a great city, befitting of a federal capital of the most populous nation in Africa, would not be realised without the sustained cooperation and contribution of the FCTA staff and residents.
He made this point yesterday, while receiving handing over notes from Mr. Adesola Olusade, Permanent Secretary, FCTA, in Abuja.
He noted that in the short time, the FCTA would restore streetlights in the city, improve public transportation and ensure improved sanitation to keep the city clean and habitable.
He urged directors who felt they did not possess the capacity to deliver on their current tasks to seek redeployment to areas of their strength, adding that he would not take any excuses for failure.
He said: “I will ensure that Abuja gets the best. You will see projects upon projects, and projects that will be completed and not abandoned.
“I am not a party to abandoned projects. I start a project when there is money as such we will look into our finances before we begin any project.
“I believe in the renewed hope of President Bola Tinubu, and Nigerians will see the difference in no distant time.
“We need your support. Nothing will work without your passion, dedication, and commitment to duty. We shall provide all the support, incentives and what you need to work well.
“What I expect is results. However, if I provide the needed resources, you must deliver or return the funds.
“From next week, we will commit ourselves to deliver on our responsibilities, but we have to work together to deliver on our mandates,”he stresses.
Furthermore, the Minister disclosed that appointments into the various secretariats of the FCTA would be made after due consultations with relevant stakeholders.
Similarly, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmud, said with the support of the workers, what Wike has done in Rivers would be replicated in the FCT.
She said: “I am of the firm belief that, together, and with your support, we will replicate what the Minister (Wike) has done in Rivers in the nation’s capital, especially at the Area Councils and Satellite Towns.
“This is so that the lives of our people in the rural areas will be positively touched. It is also instructive to state that maximum commitment, cooperation, and loyalty is expected from all staff, because it will not be business as usual.
“We will run with the vision of President Tinubu, which we will be unveiling as we hit the ground running,” she said.
Earlier, the FCTA permanent secretary assured the ministers of the unalloyed support of the entire staff of the FCT Administration, in ensuring the actualisation of the mandate of the President Tinubu.
He said: “I am particularly impressed that all stakeholders in FCT, including the indigenous people of Abuja, have demonstrated their commitment to work with you all.
“The warm welcome extended to you yesterday clearly shows the eagerness of the residents of FCT to see you replicate the Port Harcourt experience in the FCT.”
Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr. Shehu Hadi, thanked Wike and Mahmoud for accepting to serve and reposition the FCT.
Hadi also assured the ministers of the workers’ support and cooperation needed to reposition the FCT as one of the best in the world.
According to him: “We look forward to a harmonious relationship for the good of all in the FCT.”
