Wike Fires Back: Tinubu Delivers Where Past Leaders Failed
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has strongly defended the Tinubu administration's infrastructure record, calling out former Senate President David Mark for failing everyday Nigerians while flying helicopters over broken roads. Speaking at the commissioning of the Jahi-Gwarimpa interchange in Abuja, Wike declared that President Bola Tinubu has delivered more road projects in three years than past leaderships managed in eight.
Why Wike Called Out David Mark's Record
Wike didn't hold back. He pointed directly at the Akwanga-Makurdi road, a project awarded during Mark's tenure as Senate President that remained in terrible condition for the masses.
The poor people could not afford to travel to Makurdi because there was no road. But David Mark, as Senate President then, was flying helicopters. Today, because of the intervention of this administration, people can drive freely to Makurdi and Otukpo. The same David Mark, who once relied on helicopters, can now travel by road too.
Tinubu's Continuity in Governance Over Abandoned Projects
Wike highlighted a major issue holding Nigeria back: the habit of new administrations abandoning projects started by their predecessors. He praised Tinubu for breaking that cycle. The Jahi-Gwarimpa interchange itself was awarded before the current government took over, but it saw zero mobilisation until Tinubu's team stepped in.
One of the problems of development in Nigeria is that new administrations often abandon projects initiated by their predecessors. But President Tinubu has shown that the government is a continuum. What matters is completing projects for the benefit of the people, regardless of who awarded them.
Not Just Roads: Water Projects Hit Satellite Towns
Wike also shut down claims that the administration is only focused on roads. He pointed to real investments in water infrastructure for satellite towns, including a recently commissioned water supply project in Karu and a major upcoming project in Bwari set for inauguration on July 14.
It is not correct to say we are only doing roads. In Karu, we commissioned water supply infrastructure, and by July 14 we will commission another major water project in Bwari. These are projects designed to improve the lives of ordinary people.
Even the African Democratic Congress, which has criticised the Federal Government, conceded that Tinubu has performed exceptionally on road infrastructure. Wike challenged critics to name any previous administration that invested similarly in satellite communities, insisting the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering real, tangible benefits to the people.
Has the Tinubu Administration Outperformed Past Leaders on Roads?
Based on Wike's address, the Tinubu administration claims to have delivered more road projects within three years than past leaderships, specifically citing the completion of abandoned projects like the Akwanga-Makurdi road and the Jahi-Gwarimpa interchange.
What Major Projects Has Wike Commissioned in the FCT?
Since taking office in August 2023, Wike has overseen the commissioning of the Jahi-Gwarimpa interchange, a water supply project in Karu, and has announced a major water infrastructure project in Bwari for July 14.
Why Does Wike Say Continuity in Governance Matters?
Wike argues that the practice of new administrations abandoning projects from their predecessors has stunted Nigeria's development. He credits Tinubu with completing projects regardless of who initiated them, proving that government is a continuum.
Since August 2023, the FCT Administration under Wike has embarked on an aggressive infrastructure drive, transforming the territory and delivering results for ordinary Nigerians.