Apo-Karshi, Bwari-Kubwa Roads Sign Of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda — Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described the ongoing construction of the Apo-Karshi and Bwari-Kubwa roads as evidence of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to delivering projects with direct impact on the lives of residents.

Wike stated this on Saturday after inspecting the two major road projects in the Federal Capital Territory, expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work by the contractors.

He said the Apo-Karshi road had remained a major concern to residents for years, noting that the project was originally awarded in 2010 and inherited by the present administration.

According to him, the FCT Administration had to terminate the previous contract and re-award the project to SCC because of its importance and persistent complaints by residents.

“You know the Apo-Karshi road has been a topical issue. That was a road that was awarded in 2010 as one of those projects that Mr. President inherited.

“Because of the importance of that road and the complaints by residents, we had to terminate the contract and awarded it to SCC, which we think has the capacity and the capability to complete that job,” he said.

Wike expressed delight that the long-awaited project was now nearing completion, saying residents of Apo and Karshi could finally look forward to enjoying the infrastructure they had demanded for years.

“I thank God Almighty that we are here today. It’s a dream come true that residents of Apo and Karshi are jubilant that all they have been crying for, that this government has come to their aid,” he said.

The minister disclosed that the contractor had projected to complete the Apo-Karshi road by November, expressing confidence that the deadline would be achieved based on the level of work already done.

“The company has said November, and I’m not going to be surprised. You have seen the level of work that SCC has done,” Wike said.

He commended SCC for its commitment to the administration’s infrastructure agenda, stressing that the company had continued working despite issues surrounding payment.

“I know I like to commend people who have shown commitment and support for the administration. SCC is one of those companies that have supported this administration, whether we have paid or not.

“They are always working, knowing fully well that this is a government that will always fulfill their promises,” he added.

On the Bwari-Kubwa road, Wike said the dualisation of the satellite town access road, covering about 14 kilometres, was another major infrastructure intervention under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the project was one that many residents of the area never expected to see, describing its delivery as a demonstration of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to transforming the FCT.

“Here we are, it’s Buhari to Kubwa. The dualization of the satellite town access road, 14 kilometres. I don’t think the people of this area ever dreamed that there’ll be a road here to Kubwa. Again, it’s part of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

Wike also linked the projects to the performance of government, arguing that genuine campaigns should be based on tangible achievements rather than promises.

“I have told people, and I’ve said when people have asked me about campaign, I say, ‘What is campaign?’ See the campaign! Campaign is what have you done for the people? What has the government got to show?

“It is not about promises; it’s about really putting in action that things indeed will have a positive impact in the lives of the people.

“And I think the administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has done that for the people of Abuja residents,” he said.

The minister said the Bwari-Kubwa project was expected to be handed over to the FCT Administration by December, urging residents to appreciate the president for delivering projects that have direct consequences on their daily lives.

“By December, this project will be handed over to us. Now it’s for the remaining, for the people here to also do their own part by appreciating Mr. President of not just making promises, but making promises and fulfilling those promises,” Wike said.

He expressed satisfaction with the achievements recorded by his administration, saying the projects delivered in the FCT were increasingly becoming evidence of promises translated into reality.

“I am highly delighted that, yes, our team can go home and beat our chests that promises made have been fulfilled,” he said.

Wike further disclosed that the number of impactful projects completed or commissioned under the FCT Administration could surpass the 10 projects earlier targeted for delivery before the election.

“Before the election, I gave 10 projects that we commissioned. If care is not taken, it may be more than 10 projects that are very impactful to the economic activities and the lives of the residents of these cities. So, very happy,” he added.

Reflecting on his three years in office, Wike said the period had been characterised by challenges but expressed satisfaction that his team had remained focused and succeeded in overcoming the difficulties.

He thanked God and President Tinubu for giving him and the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, the opportunity to contribute to the development of Abuja.

“Nothing in life is easy. You can’t expect that from day one to the end it will be smooth, no. Sometimes you have hiccups, and sometimes you have setbacks, that’s all about life. And no life without challenges. In fact, you appreciate life more when you are able to face challenges,” he said.

Wike said residents could attest to the transformation taking place in the nation’s capital, adding that his team had remained committed to its responsibility despite the obstacles encountered.

“I am happy at this three years in office, our team has been committed to doing the job. Challenges have come, we’ve been able to surmount those challenges, and the residents can attest to the fact that indeed things have changed in the city,” he said.

He also defended his track record, recalling his previous experience in local government administration, the Commonwealth of Local Government, the Federal Executive Council and as governor of Rivers State.

Wike said his record in public office should be used to assess his capacity rather than assumptions made by people who had not worked with him.

“My track records are there. Then I became Governor. Who in this country will say that when I was governor, you don’t know the Governor of Rivers State? Who? If there was one governor that was in existence, it was me!” he said amid laughter.

Reacting to criticism from some quarters, Wike said he was not concerned about whether certain individuals liked him, arguing that his responsibility was to deliver results.

“When they say people don’t like you, I ask myself, who told them I like them?” he said, drawing laughter and applause from those present.

He added that his administration had continued to deliver projects even to the satisfaction of its critics.

“We have been able to do our work to the satisfaction of even those enemies,” Wike said.