President Bola Tinubu said Wednesday that the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mr Nyesom Wike would be warmly welcomed to the All Progressive Congress (APC) whenever he is ready to join the party.
The president said this during the commissioning of the Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) in Abuja.
“We have somebody in Nyesome Wike, he’s not a member of my party, not yet, but the day he changes his mind and register with progressives, we will welcome him because we will join him in singing as he dey pain dem, e dey sweet us.”
The president said the newly commissioned roads were more than just infrastructure but symbols of the government’s dedication to urban renewal under its “Renewed Hope” agenda.
“I am honoured to be here with you today to commission yet another critical infrastructure, the arterial road number N16, Shehu Shagari way from Ring Road, Nnamdi Azikiwe to arterial road Number N20, Wole Soyinka way, including an interchange and other roads in Katampe district of the Federal Capital Territory.
“This project represents more than a stretch of asphalt. It affirms our commitment to urban transformation under our renewed Hope agenda.
“What was once missing as a link is now a modern, functional and durable infrastructure,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of infrastructure to national development, the president said “Infrastructure is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It is the bedrock of national competitiveness, growth, social integration and economic opportunity.
“We recognise that our nation’s development is linked to the quality of infrastructure connecting people, cities and industries. There’s no way industrialization will flourish without good roads,” he said.
He assured Nigerians of the government’s ongoing investments across multiple sectors, including roads, rail, power, healthcare, education and digital infrastructure, stressing that “it is only through this coordinated and integrated development that we can unlock Nigeria’s full potential. I promise you, we will.”
President Tinubu also praised Wike’s leadership and the collaborative spirit that made the project possible.
“I commend the Honourable Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and his team because he could not work alone. He could not achieve this alone without your collaboration. As a team builder, a team player, it is impossible, but you have proved that teamship is the hallmark of good leadership,” he said.
He also acknowledged the peaceful relocation and compensation of the Gishiri community affected by the road project: “You (Gishiri community) have been relocated, not that we grabbed the land like any government, we want development, but how well we organise and execute them depends on us. We are there because of the trust you have in us.
“Thank you very much for your cooperation. We thank you, and we thank the Minister FCT too for relocating your community with peace and good compensation.
“The road belongs to the communities as citizens of Abuja and us as the federal government. I urge you to protect it and use it wisely. The government has played its part. We did not ignore you. We did not worry about protest, and I shall commission this road, N16, to the glory of God Almighty,” he said.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to continued development despite political opposition.
“I reaffirm our commitment that we will continue to build, we continue to serve the people, no matter how much the naysayers pursue their politics.
“To the glory of God, I declare this road commissioned and the benefit of humanity. May God bless the Federal Capital Territory, bless Nigeria, and keep our troops safe. Thank you very much l,” he said.