Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike has expressed his dismay at a National Assembly member who disparaged the achievements of the FCT administration, saying that such a person should hug a transformer if unhappy about their success in less than one year.
Wike, who fired back at critics yesterday while speaking at the flag-off of the construction of Mabushi Terminal in Abuja, said that he and the minister of state had made significant strides in a short time and deserving of the praise they have received.
According to him, “I overheard somebody on Arise this morning, unfortunately, a member of the National Assembly. With all due respect, what you do not know, you do not know, and what you know, you know. It is good to admit when you do not know something so people can educate you,” Wike began.
The minister, who has been in office for less than eleven months, did not mince words in addressing what he described as baseless criticisms.
“If you are angry that they are praising us, go and hang yourself on a transformer. If we have done well, we have done well. If we have not, we have not. I am proud to say that in the short time Mr. President has appointed us, we have done well,” he said.
He challenged the unnamed legislator to reflect on their contributions to improving the nation’s infrastructure and services.
“You said there are no hospitals. As a legislator, what have you done? How many bills have you sponsored to improve our education and health sectors? I challenge that legislator: if you are very popular, come and run in Abuja in 2027.
“We will fail you. Do you think what happened last time will happen again? It will not. Luckily for me, I am the FCT Minister now, so that is my territory, and I am not afraid,” he said.
Wike emphasised the need for people to accept the truth and not feel threatened by the administration’s accomplishments.
“We are not begging anyone to become our friend. We have so many friends that we cannot even carry along. If you are angry that people are praising us, by next year your blood pressure will go very high because the praises you would see would be too much,” he said.
In a separate appeal to the residents of Mabushi, Wike highlighted the economic benefits of ongoing projects and urged community support.
“This project is going to create jobs; you need to support the company so that we can achieve it within the given timeframe. Most contractors like community problems so that the contract will drag on, and they can bring variations. There will be nothing like variation; everything has been considered,” he said.
He underscores his commitment to transparency, progress, and accountability, promising continued development and prosperity for the FCT under his leadership.
