By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing subsidy removal as a bold decision that has increased revenue allocations to states and local governments.
Wike said this on Saturday during a town hall meeting with stakeholders of the Rainbow Coalition in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he urged Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Although, he acknowledged the hardship caused by the removal of petrol subsidy but argued that the policy had strengthened the financial capacity of subnational governments to execute development projects.
According to him, successive administrations recognised that the subsidy regime was unsustainable but lacked the political will to end it.
“Each time a president comes, fuel subsidy is a scam. What have you done with it? Another president will come, fuel subsidy is a scam. What have you done? Nobody has been able to take a courageous decision,” Wike said.
He maintained that Tinubu took the bold decision shortly after assuming office in May 2023, despite the anticipated economic consequences.
Wike claimed that states now receive at least N15 billion in monthly allocations, excluding other revenue inflows, although he did not provide a breakdown of the figures.
He urged state and local governments to translate increased revenue into improved infrastructure, education and public services, insisting that leaders should be judged by their performance rather than political promises.
The minister cited the completion of the Bonny-Bodo Road as evidence of the benefits of the Tinubu administration, noting that the project had improved access to Bonny, which residents previously reached largely by boat and other means of water transport.
He described the road as a long-standing project that successive administrations had promised to deliver before its completion under the current administration.
Wike also criticised opposition politicians seeking higher political offices, questioning their records in public service.
He further raised concerns over projects and financial transactions during the previous Rivers State administration, including a proposed 1,000-bed Justice Karibi-Whyte Hospital, a monorail project and the sale of a power plant.
The former Rivers State governor alleged that $39 million was paid for the proposed hospital without construction reaching the foundation stage. These claims were not independently verified in the remarks provided.
Earlier, Wike had visited the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom, King Edward Asimini William Dappa Pepple III, at his palace, where he called for greater community engagement on governance and development ahead of the 2027 elections.
The monarch welcomed the minister and commended his contributions to the Bonny Polytechnic initiative, security efforts and the Bonny-Bodo Road project.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Bonny Chiefs’ Council, Se-Alabo (Amb.) Lt. Col. (Rtd.) Dagogo Soala Claude-Wilcox, invited Wike to the 30th anniversary of the monarch’s coronation, scheduled for December 21, 2026.
The Chairman of the Rainbow Coalition, George Tubara Tolofari, also commended Wike for facilitating reconciliation among members of the group, saying the renewed unity would strengthen the coalition.
In his remarks, Bonny Local Government Chairman Abinye Blessing Pepple, highlighted government initiatives relating to infrastructure, empowerment and economic opportunities.
0 Comments