The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims of a frosty relationship between himself and the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe.
Wike made the clarification during a live media chat in Port Harcourt, where he read a letter written to him by Senator Kingibe, commending the FCT Administration for infrastructure upgrades, particularly the rehabilitation of Colonial Street.
“I’m coming to the point,” Wike said after reading the letter, adding that “People talk about the kind of relationship you’re referring to. Who is damaging it? It shouldn’t be something personal. The only person I should relate with personally is the President, who appointed me.”
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In the letter, Senator Kingibe expressed appreciation for the rehabilitation works, describing Abuja as “a model city” and thanking the minister for his “dedication to service” and commitment to development.
She also assured him of her “continued collaboration in advancing development.”
Wike argued that the existence of such correspondence contradicts claims that he does not work with the FCT senator.
“So people have that kind of relationship you’re talking about?” he asked, adding “She wrote officially to appreciate what we are doing.”
The minister explained that his primary engagement is with the National Assembly committees overseeing the affairs of the FCT, of which Senator Kingibe is a member.
“I relate with the committees overseeing the affairs of the FCT. She’s a member of that committee. In everything I’m doing for the FCT, I relate to that committee. It’s not something personal,” he stated.
Addressing criticisms raised on the Senate floor about Abuja being dirty, Wike maintained that such comments do not erase the progress recorded under his administration.
He said, “Does it generally mean that Abuja has not done well? No. Look at what Abuja used to be in the past ten years and look at what it is today. There is appreciable improvement in security, infrastructure and transportation.”
He attributed sanitation challenges to ongoing procurement processes following changes in service providers, urging residents to be patient.
“You cannot say you want a modern city and at the same time ignore the processes involved. If a city is dirty, it cannot be a modern city. If there is no security, it cannot be a modern city,” Wike noted.
He further criticised politicians who, in his words, “are economical with the truth,” warning that failure to keep agreements and communicate openly often fuels political crises.
Wike said, “What I don’t like is people who are critical of the truth. There are things that shouldn’t come to national television.”
Wike reaffirmed his commitment to governance driven by consistency and integrity rather than political theatrics.
“I don’t want to be that politician who says one thing today and does another tomorrow. From all I can hear clearly, all is not well, and it worries me,” wike added.