Wike to AMAC residents: Reject seasonal politicians

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared an end to “seasonal politics” in the nation’s capital, asserting that the era of politicians appearing only during elections to deceive the people is over.
Speaking during a high-profile “thank you” visit to the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) on Wednesday, Wike emphasized that the relationship between the government and the governed must be “symbiotic,” based on mutual trust and fulfilled promises.
Addressing a massive crowd that included the leadership of both the APC and PDP from the South-South zone, as well as Council Chairmen from across the FCT, he apologized for his late arrival, noting that a marathon Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting had kept him.
He reminded the residents of his previous town hall meeting during a period of heightened insecurity.
“That time, everybody had lost hope. “But Mr. President sent me to tell you that hope will come back. You asked for the Saburi Road; today, to the glory of God, that road has been commissioned”, Wike recalled:
In a scathing critique of unnamed political opponents, the Minister warned residents to be wary of those he termed “emergency contractors”—former high-ranking officials who only show up in rural communities when they need votes.
He said: “Somebody was Speaker, somebody was Governor, he was Minister for eight years; he never came on the road to Chukwun. Now, because he wants your support, he has become an emergency contractor. Will you allow that?”
Wike further mocked politicians who ignore local businesses until election season. “When I was Chairman of Council, I never went to [high-end hotels] to do my birthday. Now, some want to be Governor, and even when it’s not their birthday, they are there. Is that not fake? It is passing vanity.”
The Minister did not spare the current representatives of the FCT in the National Assembly, suggesting that the electorate must choose leaders who “speak their language” and understand their pains.
Turning his attention to the re-elected AMAC Chairman, Christopher Maikalangu, Wike issued a stern but supportive challenge regarding his second tenure.
According to him: “I will watch you to make sure you make your people happy.. Anything your people want, our doors are open.
“But me too, I witness your agreement with them. Don’t let their efforts go in vain.”
Wike reassured the youth and original inhabitants that his administration is committed to addressing land issues and long-abandoned projects.
He cited the Apo-Karshi Road, a project languishing since 2011, promising that it would finally be completed under the Tinubu administration.
“We must change the pattern of politics in Abuja, “We must recognize that anywhere you go, there are people there who deserve recognition and respect”, he stated.