The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has fired back at the FCT Senator, Ireti Kingibe, over her criticism of the administration’s handling of flooding and urban development in Abuja.
Wike rejected Kingibe’s call for closer cooperation between her office and the FCT Administration.
This was as he insisted that he was not appointed to work with any particular individual but with all stakeholders in the interest of the capital territory.
The minister spoke on Tuesday after inspecting areas affected by flooding in Maitama, where he ordered the immediate demolition of structures obstructing designated waterways.
His remarks followed allegations by Kingibe that developments approved under Wike’s administration had obstructed natural waterways and contributed to the worsening flood situation in Abuja.
The senator, who spoke during an interview with Arise TV programme on Monday, alleged that construction activities in environmentally sensitive areas had obstructed natural waterways and drainage channels, leaving rainwater with fewer outlets during heavy rainfall.
“Absolutely. Some of the developments sanctioned by the current FCT administration are indeed heightening the flood risk in Abuja,” Kingibe said.
“I have consistently raised concerns about the green areas, gullies, flood channels and flood plains, as I observe them being developed upon.”
She said she had repeatedly raised concerns with relevant FCT agencies over development activities in areas designated for drainage and other environmentally sensitive purposes.
Responding to the senator’s call for greater collaboration, Wike challenged her to use her position in the National Assembly to initiate legislation and other measures capable of addressing the challenges confronting FCT residents.
“If she knows that there’s a problem, she’s the one who makes the law. National Assembly is our own House of Assembly. Why should she every time, ‘working with her, working with her, working with her’?” Wike asked.
“I was not appointed to work with only one particular person. I work with everybody.”
The minister accused the senator of relying excessively on media appearances instead of demonstrating her impact through legislative activities, debates and engagement with constituents.
He challenged Kingibe to identify bills or legislative initiatives she had sponsored to address flooding and other problems affecting Abuja residents.
“Go and talk to the people! Tell them what you are doing in the National Assembly! Tell them the bill you have proposed for the benefit of the residents of Abuja,” he said.
Wike further alleged that Kingibe’s criticism was politically motivated, suggesting that her recent interventions were linked to the approaching election.
“I don’t blame her now, because she has almost lost the election. All she’s doing next is to see whether she can get the people,” he said.
The minister insisted that political criticism would not stop the FCT Administration from enforcing planning and environmental regulations, particularly against developments obstructing waterways.
Wike also denied allegations that the FCT Administration had allocated designated waterways to politicians for the construction of estates.
“I want to deny categorically that this administration allocates water channel way for people to go and develop,” he said.
He challenged anyone making such allegations to provide evidence showing that a specific waterway had been allocated to a named politician for development.
According to him, determining areas classified as waterways must be based on the Abuja Master Plan rather than political claims.
“You cannot determine which area is a water channel to FCT. You cannot determine for us! You don’t know the master plan more than us!” he said.
Wike also dismissed suggestions that flooding in Abuja began under his administration, citing recurring flooding in areas such as Lokogoma and Yakubu Gowon Crescent.
“Lokogoma flooding has been happening there year to year; it’s been happening,” he said.
He said Yakubu Gowon Crescent had also experienced flooding for years despite having been constructed by Julius Berger.
“Each time, it floods. People will shut their eyes and say that the flooding started yesterday on that road,” Wike added.
The minister called for constructive criticism, warning political actors against using flooding as a tool for electoral campaigns.
“Please, do us well and do the nation well by giving positive criticism, not political criticism that you think will help you to win an election that you cannot win,” he said.
He further warned that the FCT Administration would proceed with the demolition of structures obstructing waterways irrespective of the political affiliation or status of their owners.
Wike said enforcement actions should not be interpreted as persecution of political opponents, insisting that anyone occupying or blocking a designated water channel would face the consequences.
“If you are my political opponent, did I say you should go and block the water channel? I didn’t tell you to go and block the water channel,” he said.
