‘Wike is mentor to upcoming leaders’ — Ropsik PDP’s chieftain

… Hails infrastructure strides in FCT

By Stanley Onyekwere

Chief Kefas Ropsik, a prominent People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and former governorship candidate for Plateau State, has lauded the “massive and overwhelming” developmental strides of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, describing him as an inspirational figure and a mentor for the next generation of Nigerian leaders.

Speaking on the heels of a two-week-long streak of project commissionings across Abuja, Ropsik stated that Wike’s tangible achievements have set a new benchmark for public office execution in Nigeria, transcending partisan politics.

Ropsik emphasized that the visual transformation of the nation’s capital stands as an undeniable testament to Wike’s capacity, even outpacing past celebrated administrations.

“I was having some discussion and argument with some persons, trying to make a comparison between Wike and El-Rufai on who has done better.

“But in my opinion, I think he has done more than what anybody can envisage. The developmental stride that we see is equal to none,” Ropsik stated.

He further urged President Bola Tinubu to hold the FCT Minister “very dear to his heart,” boldly claiming that Wike stands out uniquely within the federal cabinet.

“This is not politics; these are pure practicalities that people can see, touch, and feel.

“Whether you like the man Wike or not, you cannot take away his zeal for leadership and commitment to projects.

” I don’t think anybody in the present generation has done what Wike has done, both in Rivers State and the FCT,” he noted.

For Ropsik, the rapid delivery of infrastructure in the FCT serves as a critical blueprint for upcoming political figures, proving that governance should be stripped of excuses.

He said: “Some of us are taking time to come because we’re upcoming leaders, and it’s giving us a lot of inspiration to know that once in leadership, you don’t have any excuse.

The best thing for you to do is to deliver at every given point. That is why he’s a mentor to a lot of us.”

Addressing concerns over the longevity of the newly built infrastructure, Ropsik expressed strong confidence in Abuja residents to maintain the facilities.

He highlighted the Minister’s policy of keeping contractors on board for a six-month post-handover maintenance window, adding that FCT occupants are “reasonable and responsible people” who will safeguard these national assets.

When asked what areas Wike should prioritize moving forward, Ropsik pointed directly to district expansion and public safety.

He praised Wike’s ongoing efforts to open up new spaces, connect disparate districts, and build arterial routes reaching as far as neighboring Nasarawa State.

Beyond brick and mortar, Ropsik stressed that tackling security remains the ultimate priority for the FCT and Nigeria at large.

Drawing parallels to how Wike aggressively managed security during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State, Ropsik voiced absolute optimism that the same energy is being deployed in the nation’s capital.

He also took the opportunity to highly commend the current FCT Police Commissioner for mirroring Wike’s hands-on governance style.

“The present FCT Commissioner is doing well. You can see him going to the frontline by himself, thereby showing leadership.

“By the time you show leadership and commitment, it brings out the zeal of others to do the same thing. Leadership is very key, they are exhibiting it, and I stand by them seriously,” he concluded.