Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has come out strongly against critics of the Tinubu administration, dismissing them as “politically expired” individuals who, despite years of political involvement, remain blind to the progress being made across the country.
Wike made the remarks on Wednesday during the flag-off and commissioning of the dualisation and upgrade of the War College/Army checkpoint road and other adjoining roads in the Ushafa-Bwari axis of the FCT.
Addressing the gathering, which included Vice President Kashim Shettima representing President Bola Tinubu, Wike took aim at long-standing political figures who he accused of hopping from one political party to another since 1999 without contributing meaningfully to national development.
“Let them hear. Let those who don’t have vision, who are politically expired, and those who, since 1999, have belonged to over 10 political parties, let them see what you’re doing,” he said.
“Whichever channel they want to watch, they will see Mr President. And yet, people are saying nothing is working. Must we come to their houses before they know something is working? Unfortunately, we won’t come to their houses.”
The minister’s comments come amid growing public scrutiny of the Tinubu-led federal government, with critics citing rising inflation, insecurity, and a sluggish economy. But Wike insisted that tangible development is underway, especially in areas previously overlooked.
He applauded the contractors and FCT project coordinators for completing their assignments, while issuing a stern warning to appointees and government officials under his purview.
“Working with me is not easy. If you survive working with me, you can survive anywhere,” he said.
“You cannot be nominated for a position to just ‘chop’. You must work. You must make sacrifices and show that you have the capacity. There are people you give a position, and they think it’s just for publicity. Some take it as an opportunity to express themselves instead of doing the actual work.”
Wike also highlighted what he described as “unprecedented” attention to the satellite towns of the FCT, noting that President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima had physically identified with residents in underserved areas, a gesture he said was previously unseen.
“This is the first time a sitting President and Vice President will go to the satellite towns to identify with the people. It has never happened,” he said.
“This shows the love Mr President has for the satellite towns.”
