FCT projects: Abuja traditional rulers don’t ask contractors for bribe unlike other places – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday declared that traditional rulers in the capital city don’t ask contractors for bribe before projects are embarked upon.

Wike disclosed that traditional rulers in the FCT support contractors to ensure that roads and other projects of the FCT Administration are done to its logical conclusion and to the interest of the people.

Speaking during the commissioning of the newly constructed Gomani-Dafa-Yangoji roads in Kwali Area Council, said the measure is unlike what is obtainable in other areas.

The roads were commissioned to mark President Bola Tinubu’s third year anniversary in office and he was represented by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. 

According to Wike: “If I remember the traditional ruler of Kwali did mention this three roads which is about 43 kilometers and today to the glory of God, all our promises to them they would not say that we have not fulfilled. I want to thank the paramount ruler for giving us the support, for giving the contractors the support.

“There are other areas outside the FCT which I know when jobs are awarded, what traditional rulers would do first is to ask contractors what is there for them? Their interest is not to make sure that the job is carried out to a logical conclusion but their interest is what is there for us? Once contractors submit to that they no longer bother if the job is completed or not.

“But here in the FCT I want to say with all authority that their own interest is the conclusion of the road, projects that would be of benefits to the people and they should continue with that. And with that the government would continue to do more for them.”

The Minister also insisted that the timely completion of these roads has shown the commitment of the Tinubu administration and the contractors to residents of the area.

“You heard the coordinator say that this job was awarded in November last year and today is June 30, 2026; for those of you who are very good in Mathematics you will see that this road was completed before 12 months and what has it shown? It’s that all this we are doing is not rocket science but commitment by this administration and contractors.

“I know that I asked the contractor when this job was awarded that are you sure that you will complete this road in eight to nine months and he said yes he was going to do that,” he added.