Wike Not to Blame for FCT Floods, Says Reps Spokesman

Philip Agbese, Deputy Spokesman for the House of Representatives, has defended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against criticism concerning recent flooding in Abuja. Agbese, a Labour Party lawmaker, argued that residents must also accept responsibility for their actions that contribute to the problem.

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Blaming Wike for the flood in the FCT is like the Israelites blaming Moses for helping them to the Promised Land.

Agbese stated that blaming Wike solely for the flooding is unfair, pointing to the FCT Administration's numerous infrastructure projects aimed at improving roads, drainage, and transportation. He likened blaming Wike to the Israelites blaming Moses, emphasizing the need to appreciate transformative leadership. "At some point, we must appreciate transformative leadership and understand that government cannot solve every problem without the cooperation of the people," Agbese said.

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At some point, we must appreciate transformative leadership and understand that government cannot solve every problem without the cooperation of the people.

The lawmaker highlighted that infrastructure development has extended beyond the city center to satellite towns, with significant road projects completed since the current administration took office. He described Wike as a "prophet who is not honoured at home," suggesting that while the minister's performance is recognized globally, some residents focus on isolated challenges. Agbese urged for acknowledgment of the good work being done while also addressing areas needing improvement.

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Wike is like the Biblical prophet who is not honoured at home. At a time the man is being celebrated globally, some persons are still calling him names.

Agbese stressed that flooding is a shared responsibility, especially in a rapidly growing city like Abuja, where population growth and construction strain drainage systems. He specifically blamed indiscriminate dumping of refuse for exacerbating flooding, noting that residents often block drainage channels with waste. "Residents also have a role to play. You cannot dump refuse into waterways and drainage channels and then turn around to blame the minister when the rain comes, and the water has nowhere to pass," he asserted. He called on residents to stop using waterways as dumping grounds and to report blockages.

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Residents also have a role to play. You cannot dump refuse into waterways and drainage channels and then turn around to blame the minister when the rain comes, and the water has nowhere to pass.