Some leaders from southern Nigeria have urged Chief Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to stay focused on his mission to improve the region despite political challenges. This call was made during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday by the Citizens Network for Peace and Development in Nigeria (CNPDN).
The group praised President Bola Tinubu’s decision to appoint Wike, describing it as one of the administration’s most commendable moves. According to Raphael Okorie, the National Coordinator of CNPDN, Wike has achieved remarkable progress in just nine months—progress that far surpasses what previous ministers accomplished in eight years.
Okorie emphasized the need for patience from Nigerians as Tinubu works to stabilize the economy, enhance security, and alleviate national hardships. “Wike has done a lot in just nine months,” Okorie noted.
He highlighted Wike’s numerous accomplishments since taking office, urging him to disregard attempts to distract him from his duties. “We know that there are people who want to distract him from replicating his sterling performance in Rivers. He is not even bothered about the crisis in Rivers. He is busy with developing Abuja,” the group said.
The CNPDN commended Wike for his transformative impact on the FCT, stressing their unwavering support and prayers for his continued success. The group’s assessment of Tinubu’s administration and Wike’s role concluded that both are committed to delivering on the promises of the Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming for rapid infrastructure growth and economic stabilization.
According to Okorie, “The minister had achieved in nine months, what former ministers could not in eight years.” He pointed out that Nigeria’s infrastructure had stagnated before Tinubu’s presidency due to inconsistent policies and excessive government interference in the private sector. Okorie contended that the international community could not invest in Nigeria because of inconsistent policies and over-interference by the government in the affairs of the private sector.
“Confidence in our economy that hit its highest under the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was completely eroded, Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) were near zero,” he added.
However, under the current administration, there is a renewed confidence in the economy, marked by a steady growth in Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and improved management of the naira. Okorie stated, “Today, we have attained relative and realistic stability in the management of the naira and FDI is growing by the day. The private sector is getting the required support to grow and produce what we consume. Local content is being seriously encouraged and the government has opened its doors to all Nigerians to build an all-inclusive country, where no Nigerian is shortchanged by those that have invaded to destroy our dear nation.”
Furthermore, Okorie praised Wike for significantly improving security in the FCT, a major concern for residents. In just six months, Wike has made substantial progress in making the territory safer, although challenges remain. “Today, the entire territory is relatively safe. We are not there yet, but with Wike in charge, we are optimistic that FCT will be completely safe soon,” Okorie said.