The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has said that even critics of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, must acknowledge the changes in Abuja’s infrastructure under his leadership.
He spoke on Tuesday after joining Wike to inspect some roads and bridge projects in Abuja, including the ISEX 2 road, the Southern Parkway and the S1 road around the Fire Station in Gaduwa.
Lokpobiri said the level of development in the nation’s capital over the past three years was unprecedented.
He added that residents and critics alike would benefit from the ongoing projects.
“I have lived in Abuja for about 19 years, but I have never seen projects flagged off in July reach this level of completion within such a short time.”
The minister recalled that he moved to Abuja in 2007 after being elected senator, saying he had not witnessed a similar level of infrastructure development in the territory.
“The level of development we have seen in Abuja is unprecedented. Those of you who are journalists in Abuja can attest to the fact that even if you don't like the FCT minister, you will give it to him that he will do the infrastructure, that even you too will benefit from.”
He said he was surprised to discover that the projects were ongoing, despite living only about two kilometres from one of the bridges at the National Assembly quarters in Apo.
Lokpobiri said he only became aware of the progress when he joined Wike for the inspection.
“Nigerians should encourage leaders who are delivering on their responsibilities, even if they do not personally like them, because Wike has changed Abuja’s landscape, and the development can only improve," he added.
Even Wike’s critics must admit he has changed Abuja infrastructure landscape - Lokpobiri