In the realm of leadership, three qualities stand out. First, the ability of a leader to say “no” without feeling guilty. Second is the ability to conceive a vision, muster the courage to implement it irrespective of whose ox is gored, and, by extension, the ability to mobilise resources to realise the vision.
In the context of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), these qualities are particularly relevant. For too long, Abuja had suffered from misrule, leaving it as one of the least developed capital cities in Africa, despite Nigeria’s vast resources. The city’s underdevelopment is a stark reminder of the consequences of poor leadership and administration.
However, with the appointment of former Governor of Rivers state, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, as the Minister of FCT by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there’s a renewed sense of hope. Wike’s reputation for insisting on due process and excellence has earned him widespread acclaim, and his track record in Rivers state speaks volumes about his leadership capabilities. Tinubu’s decision to pick Wike was roundly celebrated. It confirmed him as a recruiter-in-chief.
As Wike settles down to inject life into the administration of the FCT, he’s facing significant challenges. Enemies of progress and deep-pocket mischief makers are trying to thwart his efforts. Land grabbers are doing everything in their power to undermine his rescue mission. Despite these obstacles, Wike is delivering, and projects that were abandoned over 30 years ago are finally receiving a new lease of life.
After going round rural areas in the FCT, it is highly commendable how impressive the former Rivers governor has changed the narrative, with many people in local communities attesting to the palpable presence of the Tinubu administration in terms of road, security, and education. Utilising FCT funds shrewdly, Wike is also combating crime, corruption and other related offences head on. I once saw the minister with former commissioner of Police, Igwe, patrolling the Bwari area of Abuja around 2:45 am to ensure lives and property are secured.
Wike’s leadership style is a testament to the importance of courage, prioritisation, and adaptability. He’s demonstrating the courage to say no to corrupt practices and special interests, prioritising the greater good of the FCT and its residents. By doing so, he is earning accolades for his work system and inspiring hope in a city that has been neglected for far too long.
One of his notable achievements is the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission, which is a masterstroke in positioning the FCT to enjoy the same benefits as states. This move bears eloquent testimony to his commitment to reforming the civil service in the FCT. The initiative has been roundly commended by Nigerians of good conscience, while the selfish and parochial groups continue to grumble.
The icing on the cake is the appointment of our ever amiable Mrs. Grace Adailo as the Head of Service (HoS) of the FCT Civil Service Commission. Mrs. Grace Adailo, affectionately known as “Mama Africa”, is a remarkable individual who has made a significant impact in the lives of many people. Her selfless dedication to the welfare of others, particularly in the FCT, has earned her a special place in the hearts of those who know her.
As a respected community leader, Mrs. Adailo has been a driving force behind various initiatives aimed at promoting the well-being of women, children, and the vulnerable in society. Her tireless efforts to empower and uplift others have not gone unnoticed, and she has become a beacon of hope for many.
Mrs. Adailo’s nickname, “Mama Africa,” is a testament to her motherly love and care for all those around her. She has a unique ability to bring people together, fostering a sense of community and unity that is essential for building a better society.
Her contributions to the FCT, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and social welfare, have been invaluable. Mrs. Adailo’s passion for helping others is contagious, and she has inspired countless individuals to follow in her footsteps and make a positive difference in their communities.
As a role model and mentor, Mrs. Adailo has demonstrated that one person can make a significant impact when they dedicate themselves to serving others. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and her selfless service to humanity will never be forgotten.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Mrs. Adailo has received numerous awards and accolades. However, it is clear that her greatest reward is the love and appreciation of the people she has touched through her work.
Mama Africa is a true heroine and a shining example of the power of selfless service to humanity. By creating the FCT Civil Service Commission and appointing her as HoS, Wike has demonstrated his willingness to take bold steps to address the challenges facing the FCT’s civil service. This commission will likely play a crucial role in ensuring that the FCT’s civil service is more efficient, effective, and responsive to the needs of its citizens.
Wike’s reforms are not only limited to the creation of the FCT Civil Service Commission. He has also been working to address other challenges facing the FCT civil service, such as improving the working conditions of civil servants, enhancing their capacity and skills, and promoting transparency and accountability in the civil service.
One disturbing factor successive helmsmen in FCT administration have advanced for their lacklustre performance is paucity of funds. When the Rivers state-born workaholic assumed office as FCT minister, he read the riot act for property holders to pay up their tenement rate. He made it clear that his administration was not going to be business as usual. True to his avowed commitment, the usual complaints of paucity of funds disappeared. Execution of projects that was hitherto at a snail speed was ventilated back to life, to the extent Wike’s praises was on the lips of every FCT residents of good conscience.
Confused on how to handle Wike’s insistence on use and pay, the deep pocket mischief makers began to sponsor campaign of calumny against him. They started bankrolling a campaign of planting fake news and influencing unfounded and fake activists to throw up all kinds of spurious absurdities to blackmail and malign him. Who would blame them? Nigeria was hitherto at their beck and call, whims and caprices. They were above the law.
They’re used to getting everything free. Those who served before Wike wallowed in silence. They couldn’t open up like Wike for the fear of being blackmailed as they’re doing to Wike now. The difference is that, while they had their way yesterday, a new Sheriff is in town. He is not afraid of their arsenal. They don’t have the prerogative of the mud. For once, they’ve met their match. As he asked recently during a press conference, “If Wike is working, will I use my blood to work?” Nigerians should not be deceived by antics of paid activists who are feeding fat from crumbs falling from land grabbers’ table.
Minister Wike is making significant strides as the FCT minister, focusing on completing abandoned projects, enhancing infrastructure, and improving service delivery in Abuja. One of the key areas he’s prioritising is infrastructure development, with notable projects like the completion of roads such as B6, B12, and Circle Road in Abuja’s Central Area, the relaunch of the Abuja Light Rail with seven months of free rides, and the construction of the Southern Parkway.
He is also emphasising security enhancement, establishing additional police posts, distributing security vehicles, and forming a Joint Task Force to combat crime, which has led to a reduction in security breaches. Furthermore, Wike is working on agriculture and health initiatives, distributing agricultural inputs to farmers to ensure food security and taking actions to prevent cholera outbreaks.
In terms of administrative and financial reforms, Wike has created the FCT Service Commission, and with Mama Africa at the helm of the commission’s affairs, he is implementing changes in revenue collection to avoid double taxation, aiming to improve internally generated revenue (IGR).
Overall, Wike’s approach is being described as both administrative and grassroots, indicating his engagement with the community and focus on completing projects, aligning with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Despite stiff opposition from the cabals whose plans are aimed at sabotaging the Renewed Hope administration of President Tinubu, Wike is working. The plot to distract Wike is not surprising. He has blocked all channels used by this cabal as conduit pipes to divert funds meant for infrastructural development in the nation’s capital.
