By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed claims linking him to the screening controversy involving aspirants in Rivers State, insisting that he has no involvement in the internal affairs of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Wike made the clarification on Monday while speaking with journalists during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja ahead of activities marking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
Reacting to allegations that he may be influencing the screening process in Rivers State, the minister stressed that he is not a member of the APC and therefore cannot interfere in the party’s internal processes.
“I’m not a member of the APC, so I don’t know what is happening in their screening. Even if they publish the results, why would I comment? I don’t know the reasons they have,” he said.
The former Rivers State governor added that he would not speculate on issues outside his political responsibility.
“What pertains to me is what I will talk about, not what does not concern me. I’m not a native doctor, neither am I a prophet,” Wike stated.
On political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, the minister acknowledged ongoing coalition discussions among political actors, saying alliances would be built around electoral strength and strategic interests.
“That is the essence of the rainbow coalition. We’ll look at where we have strength, compare notes and vote accordingly,” he said.
Wike also expressed satisfaction with the pace of infrastructure development across the Federal Capital Territory, noting that projects scheduled for inauguration during President Tinubu’s third anniversary celebrations were progressing steadily.
According to him, contractors handling major road projects have assured the administration that pending components, particularly streetlight installations, would be completed before the end of May.
“We are very happy. They promised that before the end of the month they will finish the streetlights and that is being handled by Green Book and Lubrix,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the Diobu-to-M5 road project being executed by Lubrix was nearing completion, while another road project handled by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCCC) had been completed except for streetlight installation.
“That road is already completed and the contractor, CCCC, has promised that within the next 10 days they will complete the streetlights. We are very comfortable and happy,” he added.
Wike further commended progress on a major bridge project in Abuja, stating that the bridge structure had already been launched while work on connecting roads was ongoing to improve traffic flow toward Kubwa and adjoining districts.
“You can also see that it is almost completed. The bridge has been launched and they have started the connection that will direct traffic from here to Kubwa. It is a wonderful thing. We are happy,” he said.
Addressing concerns over alleged harassment by officials of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) during tax enforcement operations, the minister defended the need for tax compliance while calling for civility in enforcement.
“There must be a civilised way of collecting taxes, but people also have a responsibility to pay taxes. When tax collectors come, people often look for excuses,” Wike stated.
