Wike Slams ‘Corn-chewing Politicians’, Vows Bwari-Kubwa Road Completion

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to fulfill all campaign promises made to Bwari residents, warning them against what he described as “deceivers” and “fake people” who only surface during election periods.

Speaking during a thank-you visit to the Bwari area council on Tuesday, Wike expressed gratitude to residents for their overwhelming support during the February 21 FCT area councils election, which saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) secure victory in the constituency.

The minister emphasised that the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration would be felt across the territory.

“The people of Bwari, thank you for coming out under this sun to receive us. May God continue to bless you. When we appointed this day to the people of Bwari, just like the incumbent chairman said, the time has come when politicians must keep to their promises.

“And I did say, under the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we will give Bwari the necessary support. As I said, when we do our own part, we will do our own part,” he said.

Wike took aim at opposition figures, accusing them of superficial engagement with ordinary citizens.

“Now listen, listen, we have to be careful. There are those now whose duty is to deceive themselves. They now go out to buy corn on the road. They buy groundnut on the road, to chew groundnut and corn,. Nobody can deceive us again,” he said.

The minister did not mince words when discussing future elections, particularly the 2027 general elections.

“I have said, and I want to say clearly again, we have no business sending somebody to the senate who does not understand what the people want.

“This time around, listen to what I’m saying. We are not going to send people who cannot understand you. We are not going to send people who do not know where you are living. We are not going to send people who only read love magazines,” he said.

Wike commended the traditional rulers, youth leaders, and women who had earlier participated in a town hall meeting where community needs were articulated.

“Remember, I said when I came here for campaign on Wednesday, the week of that election, I said as the winner that the incumbent chairman should let us know what we are going to do for the people of Bwari,” he recalled.

The minister drew laughter and applause when he dismissed opposition parties that performed poorly in the recent council elections.

“I carry a party, say they are the National Party. They cannot win one councilorship. Is that a party? A party that cannot win one of sixty-two? That is not a party. The ruling party today is APC. The opposition party is our own party, the PDP. All the other ones, I don’t know where they stand,” he said.

On infrastructure development, Wike gave specific assurances about a major road project.

“So, I tell all of you, the road we are doing from Bwari to Kubwa, we will finish it. We will finish it. This year, we will finish it. Yes,” he said.

He praised the incoming chairman, Joshua Ishaku, describing him as a very young chairman whom the youth of the country love.

“And we are going to work with him because I want somebody who will understand me. And I want somebody I will understand. And Joshua is the person.

“Our women, our women, your time has come. Because Joshua has come. Anything you ask through Joshua, consider it done.

“Our traditional rulers, you have dressed up in your very good regalia. I say thank you. Our father, I thank you for standing firm. You gave me an award when we had a meeting. And indeed, he had a father to be trusted,” he said.

In his vote of thanks, Bwari chairman-elect Joshua Ishaku, expressed gratitude for the minister’s unexpected visit, noting that it was the people who ought to have visited the minister first.

“Indeed, we are overwhelmed. Just as the incumbent chairman said, while we were preparing to mobilise ourselves to go and thank the Honorable Minister of the FCT, in his humility, he came to Bwari to say thank you instead,” he said.

Ishaku praised Wike’s leadership style and developmental achievements within a short period.

“Sir, Honorable Minister, you are a humble leader, a humble father. May God Almighty bless you for the good work you are doing for Mr. President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Asiwaju of Nigeria himself.

“We can see, feel, and touch the developmental strides you have achieved in just two years upon assuming office,” he said.

He acknowledged the political direction from the presidency that led to the APC’s success in the area council elections.

“Mr. President, you came around, gave us direction, and asked us to follow your instructions. As obedient followers, we did. It is no wonder that the Bwari Area Council election was the first to be declared,” he said.

The chairman-elect noted the significance of Bwari being the first area council to receive the minister’s thank-you visit and expressed hope that this would translate into development priorities.

“I know indeed that this visit will place Bwari Area Council first in the scheme of things within Abuja. As you return with your entourage, Mr. President, we ask that you always remind us that an agreement is an agreement. You told us when you came that this is the direction of the Abuja government,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2027, Ishaku reaffirmed the council’s commitment to the APC.

“Just like others have said, come 2027, we in Bwari Area Council will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the renewed mandate is restored. Thank you very much. We know that, as promised, you will return to build more roads, more schools, more hospitals, and continue the development of Bwari,” he said.