Wike Promises More Kuje Projects, Warns Chairman-Elect to Stay Close to Residents

Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has told residents of Kuje Area Council to expect more road and infrastructure projects, while warning the chairman-elect not to distance himself from the people after taking office.

Wike spoke on Thursday during a thank-you visit to Kuje following the recent area council election. Addressing traditional rulers, political leaders and residents, he said the Tinubu administration would continue to deliver projects in communities that backed its candidates.

He said elected office must remain a working contract between leaders and citizens, adding that campaign promises should not end once votes are counted.

"Politics should be a contract between those elected and the people who elected them," Wike said. "It is not where our people vote for you and, at the end of the day, you disappear."

According to him, the visit was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s position that public officials should return to communities to appreciate support instead of treating it as automatic.

Wike said key requests earlier raised in Kuje were already being acted on. He recalled that at a town hall meeting, traditional rulers asked for completion of the road from Airport Junction to Kuje and dualisation of the Kuje Garage Road.

He said the Garage Road project had been completed and commissioned. He also said the contractor handling the Airport Junction-Kuje road, Arab Contractors, had returned to site and assured government of delivery before the third anniversary of the Tinubu administration.

"We did not only award the Garage Road; it has been completed and commissioned," he said. "The contractor handling the Airport Road to Kuje has also returned to site and assured us the road will be ready for inauguration during the President’s third anniversary."

The minister added that the 16-kilometre Kuje-Gwagwalada road, being handled by Gilmor Engineering Nigeria Limited, was advancing and could be ready for commissioning by June.

He said fresh projects would begin after the swearing-in of the new chairman, with priorities to be agreed in consultation with traditional institutions.

"By the time your chairman is sworn in, we will sit with the traditional rulers and decide which of the roads you mentioned we will start first," Wike said.

He used the visit to caution the incoming chairman, Danladi Samuel Shekwolo, against becoming inaccessible after election victory.

"Don’t be an away chairman. Be a home chairman," he said. "When you were campaigning, you were always at home. Now that you have won, do not run away from your people."

Wike also warned about the effect of office and privilege on political behaviour, saying leaders must stay grounded and accountable.

"Power and money are two things that can change a man within seconds. But I believe you will not abandon your people," he said.

He described the Kuje election result as a sign of public confidence in the administration’s direction in the FCT.

Outgoing Kuje chairman Abdullahi Sabo thanked the minister for visiting and praised residents for maintaining peace before and after the poll. Sabo said Wike’s leadership had accelerated development in the territory and asked residents to support the incoming council team.

In his remarks, chairman-elect Shekwolo thanked the minister for campaign backing and pledged to deliver democratic dividends. He asked the FCT Administration to consider additional strategic roads linking Kuje with Gwagwa, Rubochi and Kebi to improve mobility and stimulate local commerce.

He said his administration would work closely with the FCT Administration to strengthen infrastructure delivery and sustain development in the council.