Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike has read the riot act to the management and staff of the FCT Administration and Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), saying that they should be ready to build Abuja of their dream, even when they are put under pressure.
The minister, who gave this hint during the handing over yesterday advised the management that if they cannot deliver, they should please leave, saying that it is a privilege for them to be serving in this capacity and he will not allow anyone to drag him back.
Wike also assured the management and staff that he was ready to fund the secretariat, departments and agencies of the administration to execute short-term projects to show their commitment, saying that he believed in the Renewed Hope of President Bola Tinubu and that with their support they can achieve it.
According to Wike, everyone who has responsibilities must show commitment to doing the right things, and the important thing they must do is to ensure that Abuja is back to what it ought to be.
“I moved around Abuja and found out there is total darkness in most of the places. What we need to do is to ensure light comes back as soon as possible.
“Our environment must be kept clean; you must be on your toes. If you are in charge of sanitation. I will call you at any time of the day.
“We should not allow motor parks all over the place, something must be done, as soon as possible. If you cannot meet my standard, say it now so that we can change you. Yes, I have a soft spot for women, you have to make a decision, we must be firm, and things must work.
““Things are tough, I agree, but that does not make us lawless. Street trading is prohibited, people selling corn will drop their waste indiscriminately and these are the things that cause insecurity, criminals come to buy and use the opportunity to spy and give information to criminals. We must clear street hawkers.
“Development Control is a serious crisis area, we have to stop, why are there illegal structures and shanties everywhere? We will demolish any illegal structures, no matter how highly placed, the structure will come down”, he explained.
Earlier, the minister of state for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmud thanked President Tinubu, for the appointment, especially for assigning her the important portfolio and sending her to work with hardworking, dedicated and professional people like Wike.
Also, the permanent secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola assured the minister of the unalloyed support of the entire staff of the FCT Administration in ensuring the actualization of the mandate of President Tinubu.