President Bola Tinubu has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will gladly welcome the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, if he decides to join the party.
He made the remark on Wednesday while commissioning the newly completed Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way), which connects Ring Road 1 (Nnamdi Azikiwe Way) to Arterial Road N20 (Wole Soyinka Way), along with interchanges and feeder roads in Maitama District, Abuja.
The projects were executed by the Wike-led FCT Administration.
Commending Wike’s commitment and leadership, Tinubu said, “He could not achieve this alone without your full cooperation as a team builder and player. You have proved that teamwork is the hallmark of good leadership.”
The President also praised traditional rulers and communities for their cooperation during the resettlement of residents affected by the development.
“I commend the Minister for relocating the local communities affected by the development, with peace and good compensation. The government has played its part. I urge you to protect this infrastructure and use it wisely.”
Referring to Wike’s political affiliation, Tinubu stated, “He’s not a member of my party, not yet. But the day he changes his mind and registers with the Progressives, we will welcome him because we will enjoy him singing as ‘e dey sweet us.’”
Describing the road as more than just a physical project, Tinubu said it symbolises the government’s commitment to transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“What was once a missing link is now a modern, functional, and durable infrastructure, an artery fully realised through the leadership of the FCT Administration under the Honourable Minister, Barrister Wike,” he said.
He noted the road will ease congestion in central Abuja and enhance connectivity to growing districts like Katampe, Jahi and Bwari, stimulating business and housing growth.
“Infrastructure is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration, and economic opportunity,” Tinubu added.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to delivering development despite political distractions.
“We will continue to build and serve the people, no matter how much the lesser minds pursue their politics,” he said.
Wike, in his remarks, thanked the President for restoring public trust in governance and inspiring contractor confidence that has fast-tracked infrastructure development in the FCT.
He noted the road was initiated and awarded by the current administration in September 2023 and construction began the following month.
“This road was awarded by the administration. It is not one of those projects we inherited,” he said.
He admitted initial doubts about the capacity of CGC Nigeria Ltd., the contractor, but was later convinced by their performance.
“Companies and contractors are competing among themselves to have jobs awarded to them, and they are ready to mobilise to the site without the government paying them for the initial mobilisation. That is confidence-building, and that’s what you’ve created,” he said.
Wike emphasised that none of the projects awarded by Tinubu in the FCT had been abandoned.
“By the time you do your third anniversary next year, you will see that virtually all the contracts you awarded as the President will have finished, to the glory of God,” he said.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the road, Wike said it links critical judicial and administrative institutions, including the Court of Appeal and Federal High Court.
He added that the administration’s visible performance had silenced opposition movements.
“Your good works have defeated the coalition. I have instructed my people to ensure that every national television station must hook into the inauguration of projects. They will see what is happening on national television every day on every television channel. They have no choice but to watch Mr President for the next 17 days,” he said.
Providing technical details, Acting Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr Richard Dauda, said the completed 3.7-kilometre Arterial Road N16 includes a six-lane dual carriageway with additional parking lanes, making it effectively eight lanes.
The corridor integrates districts such as Maitama, Katampe, Utako and Jahi, with features including interchanges, flyovers, underground drainage, sewer systems, water supply lines, telecommunication ducts, and street lighting.
“The work has been practically completed and is ready to be used. The completion of this project has provided the much-needed circulation and connection within the city, especially linking the 21 districts of Maitama, Utako, Jahi, and others,” Dauda said.
(NAN)
