Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has promised more infrastructure projects for Kuje Area Council while warning the incoming council chairman not to abandon the people after assuming office.
Wike gave the assurance on Thursday during a thank-you visit to Kuje to appreciate residents for their support during the recent Area Council elections.
Speaking before traditional rulers, community leaders and supporters, the minister said the visit was directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to show appreciation to residents who supported candidates aligned with his administration.
He said the Federal Government would continue to deliver development projects to the council in recognition of the support given by the people.
“Politics should be like a contract between the people and those they elect. When the people do their own part by voting, leaders must also do their own by delivering development,” Wike said.
The minister recalled that during an earlier town hall meeting with stakeholders in Kuje, traditional rulers had requested the completion of the Airport Road to Kuje and the dualisation of the Kuje Garage Road.
According to him, the Garage Road has already been completed and commissioned, while the Airport Road project, being handled by Arab Contractors, has returned to site and is expected to be ready for inauguration during the third anniversary of President 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 gone back to site and assured us it will be ready before the President’s third anniversary,” he said.
Wike further disclosed that the Kuje–Gwagwalada road, being constructed by Gilmore Engineering Nigeria Limited, was progressing well and could be ready for commissioning by June this year.
He assured residents that additional projects would commence once the newly elected chairman assumes office.
“By the time the new chairman is sworn in, we will sit down with the traditional rulers and decide which of the roads you mentioned we will start first,” he added.
The minister, however, cautioned the incoming council chairman against becoming an “away chairman” who distances himself from the people after gaining power.
“Don’t be an away chairman. Be a home chairman. When you were campaigning you were always at home. Now that you have won, don’t run away from your people,” Wike warned.
He noted that power and money often change people quickly, urging the chairman-elect to remain humble and responsive to the needs of residents.
Earlier, the outgoing Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Abdullahi Sabo, praised the minister for visiting the council to thank residents for their peaceful conduct before and after the elections.
He described Wike as a bridge builder whose leadership had accelerated development across the FCT.
In his remarks, the chairman-elect of Kuje Area Council, Danladi Samuel Shekwolo, thanked the minister 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 Gwagwa, Rubochi and Kebi communities to boost economic activities in the area council.
“Don’t Abandon Your People,” Wike Warns Kuje Chairman-Elect, Promises More Roads
