ABUJA, Nigeria – Ex-federal lawmaker, Daniel Bwala, cautioned the newly appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, against making disruptive changes in Abuja.
Bwala’s message was clear: “Abuja is not Port Harcourt.”
This comment came on Wike’s recent threat to raze houses constructed contravening Abuja’s master plan.
During his inaugural address at the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, office, the Minister emphasized his intentions, stating, “If your house is sitting where it shouldn’t be, it will go down.”
However, Bwala quickly highlighted what he views as more pressing needs for the FCT residents, such as improved healthcare facilities, better educational institutions, effective street lighting in the city and suburbs, efficient transportation systems, clean sports and recreational centers, and enhanced security measures.
In a written statement on Monday, August 21, 2023, Bwala expressed his concerns: “Hello sir, in case you need a refresher course; the FCT residents have more immediate needs. You seem to have come with a bullish spirit, spewing threats of demolitions and title revocations. I must remind you, this is not Port Harcourt.”
Bwala further added, “Creating chaos in the city might jeopardize the interests of President Bola Tinubu, and he might not hesitate to sacrifice your position for the greater good. I hope you’ll learn humility while in office.”
Wike’s statements have ruffled a few feathers. It remains to be seen how his policies will pan out in the coming days and how they’ll resonate with the residents of Abuja and other stakeholders.
Wike FCT, Umahi Works, Keyamo Aviation: Tinubu Unveils Ministerial Portfolios
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu disclosed the portfolios of his ministers on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.
According to details provided by Aso Rock sources to The Trent, 13 nominees have been designated as Ministers of State, with a few new ministries also being introduced.
Here are some of the notable appointments:
- Communications, Innovation And Digital Economy: Bosun Tijani
- Finance And Coordinating Minister Of The Economy: Wale Edun
- Power: Adebayo Adelabu
- Transportation: Adegboyega Oyetola
- Industry, Trade and Investment: Doris Anite
- Innovation Science and Technology: Uche Nnaji
- Women Affairs: Uju Kennedy
- Works: David Umahi
- Aviation and Aerospace Development: Festus Keyamo
- Federal Capital Territory: Nyesom Wike
- Defence: Muhammed Badaru
This reshuffle has sparked discussions regarding President Tinubu’s direction in his administration, especially with the creation of new portfolios and the noticeable absence of three ministerial nominees.
There are also murmurs in political circles regarding the potential ramifications of the Senate’s decision to withhold confirmation based on security checks.
The new Ministry of Marine And Blue Economy and Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy have been created.
However, it was observed that three prominent names – a former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai; a former national women leader of the All Progressives Congress, Stella Okotete; and a ministerial nominee from Taraba state, Danladi Abubakar – were conspicuously absent from the list.
The Senate had earlier withheld the confirmation of the trio due to ongoing security checks.
