Federal Capital Territory Minister Threatens To Oust Lawmaker Over Criticism Of Achievements

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike threatened to remove an unnamed lawmaker for criticizing his achievements.

The threat was made during the inauguration of Phase I of the Mabushi Bus Terminal construction in Abuja on Monday. Wike mentioned that he heard a federal lawmaker on Arise TV criticizing the progress made in the FCT, Premium Times reported.

The minister noted that the lawmaker specifically pointed out issues, such as deteriorating schools and the lack of quality hospitals in the territory.

"You, as a legislator, what have you done? How many bills have you sponsored for us to improve our education and health sector? I challenge that legislator. If you are very popular, in 2027 come and run under Abuja, we will fail you," he said, Premium Times reported.

"Do you think that what happened last time will happen again? It will not happen again. Luckily for me, I am the FCT Minister now. So that is my territory and I'm not afraid. With all due respect, what you don't know, you don't know, what you know you know."

While Wike didn't name anyone, it was Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT) who appeared on Arise TV on Monday and complained about being sidelined, Premium Times reported.

Kingibe emphasized that her constituency feels neglected, highlighting the lack of clean water in Abuja. She also criticized the ongoing road construction in the FCT, arguing that it fails to address essential needs like healthcare, water, education and security for the majority of residents.

Wike suggested that the should admit they don't know about the progress, so that people can educate them.

He also pointed out that he and Minister of State Mariya Mahmoud have been in the office for over 11 months and someone was upset that people were applauding the work done by them.

"If you don't want or you are angry about that, go and hang yourself in a transformer. If we have done well; we have done well. If we haven't done well; we haven't done well. I'm proud to say that in the short time that President Tinubu has appointed us, we have done well," he added.

The minister cautioned that if the lawmaker was bothered by the praise they're receiving, then next year, that person's blood pressure might skyrocket because the praises were expected to increase.