Senator Adams Oshiomhole has lauded the significant contributions of Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to the growth and development of Abuja, thanking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for allowing the former governor to serve in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
During a New Year luncheon held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday, Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State, expressed his gratitude to the PDP for their decision to allow Wike, a senior member of the party, to support Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election. This collaboration ultimately led to Wike’s appointment as the FCT Minister, a move Oshiomhole described as akin to a football club allowing its star player to join a rival.
“Thank you to PDP for giving us Nyesom Wike to help us fix Abuja,” Oshiomhole said, drawing a humorous analogy with the transfer of a top player to another club. “When you are giving your best player to another club, you pay heavily,” he added. The former Edo governor acknowledged the rare gesture by the PDP, praising Wike for his commitment to ensuring the proper functioning and development of the FCT.
Oshiomhole, who is also a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), described Wike’s appointment as a crucial step in improving the capital city, emphasizing that the minister’s leadership was already making a positive impact. “We are celebrating a Nigerian who is adding value to the FCT; who is showing there has to be the rule of law and that we must respect certain environmental laws,” he noted.
Oshiomhole also highlighted that Wike’s work as FCT Minister would undoubtedly require making tough decisions that might “step on toes” in order to set things right. He expressed confidence in Wike’s ability to manage the responsibility, praising his bold approach to tackling issues within the FCT.
“Thank you for what you are doing in Nigeria; thank you for what you are doing in Abuja,” Oshiomhole said in his address to the distinguished guests at the event, which included prominent figures from Rivers State and beyond.
Wike’s appointment has been widely seen as a strategic move that bridges the divide between political parties, demonstrating his dedication to national development irrespective of party lines.
