***Hails Monumental Transformation in FCT
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated statesmanship and visionary leadership by appointing Barr. Nyesom Wike as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), an action described as merit-based and above party politics by former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom.
During a project inspection tour of the FCT with Wike on Friday, Ortom commended President Tinubu for choosing performance over party loyalty, stating that Wike’s appointment has led to unprecedented infrastructural development in Abuja.
“Mr. President has shown true leadership. His decision to appoint my friend and colleague, Nyesom Wike, was not based on politics but on capacity,” Ortom said. “This is the kind of leadership Nigeria needs — one that looks beyond party lines and focuses on merit and delivery.”
The former governor, who also served as a minister and PDP National Auditor, said in all his decades of public service, he has never seen such transformation in the Federal Capital as is currently taking place under Wike’s leadership.
“I’ve been in Abuja for years, but the transformation in the last one year is overwhelming. I now need a guide to move around the city. This is monumental development,” Ortom said, visibly impressed after visiting several completed and ongoing projects.
Among the projects inspected were:
Modern Bus Terminals at Mabushi and Kukwaba — state-of-the-art facilities comparable to international standards;
Judges’ Quarters — an ultra-modern housing complex nearing completion to support the judiciary;
Reconstruction of rural and urban roads, including those in Gishiri and Nicon Junction;
City illumination and beautification projects, as well as upgrading of public schools and hospitals.
“What we are seeing here today is what we see in advanced countries — clean, organized, and functional infrastructure. For decades, we’ve hoped to see this in Nigeria. Now, it’s happening in Abuja,” Ortom declared.
He praised Wike for not disappointing those who believed in his ability, adding that the FCT Minister is delivering results that should make every Nigerian proud.
“Wike has not betrayed Mr. President, and he has not disappointed us, his friends. He is making Nigerians proud,” he added.
Ortom used the opportunity to call for national unity and collective support for the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that the country’s challenges — economic, security, and social — can only be solved through collaboration.
“Mr. President alone cannot fix Nigeria. We need to join hands with him, irrespective of party affiliations. Let us put politics aside and support what is good,” he said.
He also advised against early politicking for 2027, urging Nigerians to focus on governance and solutions.
“Political parties are just alphabets. What matters is delivery. We must not distract the President. Let him work with people like Wike who have the capacity to deliver. That’s what Nigeria needs right now,” Ortom emphasized.
