The Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has sharply criticized former Senate President, Senator David Mark, for his comments on the state of infrastructure in Nigeria, particularly regarding roads in the FCT and beyond.
In a robust response to recent criticisms from the opposition, Minister Wike highlighted the significant progress made under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in transforming Abuja and delivering critical infrastructure projects across the country. He contrasted this with what he described as the poor infrastructure legacy of previous leaders, including Senator Mark.
“The same David Mark, who once relied on helicopters to travel to his village, can now travel comfortably by road,” Minister Wike stated. He pointed out that during Senator Mark’s eight-year tenure as Senate President, there was little to no meaningful infrastructure development in his constituency, Otukpo, despite his influential position. “Nigerians were not angry then? But they are angry now under a government that is actually delivering?” Wike questioned.
The FCT Minister emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to infrastructure development, citing ongoing and completed road projects in the FCT, including the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) and numerous initiatives in satellite towns and area councils. These projects, he noted, are part of a broader national agenda that includes major highways like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano road, demonstrating tangible results in just three years.
Wike reaffirmed his unwavering support for President Tinubu’s leadership and reforms, stating that the administration has shown unprecedented political will to close Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit. “President Tinubu has achieved more in three years than many previous administrations did in much longer periods. We are not just talking; we are delivering for the people of Abuja and Nigeria,” he added.
The Minister called on Nigerians to appreciate the visible changes in the FCT and urged critics to focus on constructive contributions rather than political grandstanding.