Why Bwari people support Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, is a personage that is liked by so many Nigerians, just as a good number of citizens dislike him. The fact that many do not like him despite the glaring face-lift he has given to our nation’s capital city is not entirely surprising. Barr. Wike is a man who likes to speak his mind on every issue that is of concern to him. And as we know, millions of Nigerians hate people who are brutally frank.

However, hate him or like him, he has today become a pacesetter in terms of infrastructure projects in the FCT.

The gargantuan infrastruture projects being executed by the minister across all the area councils in the territory is a key reason why residents and traditional leaders of Bwari Area Council have come together in a rare display of unity to align with him. Our people cannot close their eyes to the developmental strides taking place under his stewardship.

SPONSOR AD

A recent unanimous approval from all 10 political wards within the Area Council — Bwari Central, Byazhin, Dutse Alhaji, Igu, Kawu, Kubwa, Kuduru, Shere, Ushafa, and Usuma — reflected the widespread support of the grassroots for the minister. In the estimation of our people,  Wike’s leadership not only brought a wave of unprecedented infrastructural growth, it also ensured inclusive governance in the FCT.

Our people have particularly taken note that within just two years of assuming office, Wike achieved what others could not accomplish in far longer periods. Much more so, his choice of areas for execution of development projects across the territory transcends political lines, with residents of all political affiliations, religions, ethnicities, and social classes. It is instructive to also acknowledge Wike’s bold approach to governance.

“Minister Wike has brought hope to our communities. For the first time, residents in remote and urban parts of Bwari feel seen, heard, and prioritised. The roads are being fixed, schools are being renovated, hospitals are receiving attention, and major infrastructure projects are underway,” one of the leaders in the Bwari Area Council admitted at a recent public forum.

Among Wike’s most celebrated projects in the Bwari area are the ongoing construction of the Bwari–Gurara and Bwari–Igu roads, which had long been neglected. Surely, completion of this project will significantly ease transportation and boost economic activities for surrounding communities.

Riding on the crest of Wike’s track records, many residents in Bwari are now subtly advocating for the emergence of a capable grassroots person as chairman of the local council to complement the minister’s great strides at the lower level. The community is blessed with numerous capable persons. Again, many of such persons are young and energetic. Some have already been endorsed across the various political parties for the position of Chairman of Bwari Area Council in the upcoming Area Council elections.

We have many forward-thinking and people-oriented leaders with deep roots in the community and the proven ability to galvanize support across all demographics.

Bwari Area Council is one of the most strategic councils within the FCT. It is home to numerous national institutions and critical infrastructure that serve both residents of the capital and the nation at large. Some of these include:

•   Nigerian Law School, a premier institution for legal education in Nigeria
•   JAMB Headquarters and UTME CBT Centre, central to the national tertiary entrance examination system
• Bwari General Hospital, providing essential healthcare services to residents
•   Dorben Polytechnic and Veritas University, contributing to youth development and higher education
•   Federal Government Girls College, a notable secondary institution
•   Usuma (Usman) Dam, the primary source of potable water for Abuja residents

Given this concentration of vital assets, residents believe the council deserves consistent attention and sustained investments. They see the current momentum created by  Wike’s administration as a foundation to build upon and are yearning for continued progress through the election of visionary, grassroots-aligned leaders.

My personal choice, out of the lot, is Hassan Musa Mohammed, though others too have their areas of strength.

I am pitching tent with this person because our people are no longer content with rhetoric; they demand visible results. They reason that with unity, vision, and community-driven leadership, the future of Bwari Area Council and the broader FCT appears brighter than ever.

Tanko wrote from Kubwa, Abuja