Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has stated that despite ongoing infrastructure projects under current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, former Minister Nasir El-Rufai remains the most impactful in the role.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm on Tuesday, Kingibe argued that the infrastructural strides credited to Wike have not translated into tangible benefits for ordinary Abuja residents.
“The common people in the FCT are not benefiting from Wike’s projects. He appears out of touch with the real needs of the people,” she said.
According to the senator, effective leadership in the FCT goes beyond infrastructure. She noted that while Wike is being praised in some quarters for his development efforts, such projects fail to address basic concerns such as food security and access to essential services.
“If you ask any FCT person who has been the most effective minister, they will tell you El-Rufai,” Kingibe said. “He built roads and also responded to the needs of the people.”
She recalled that El-Rufai, during his tenure, addressed community concerns directly without political interference.
“El-Rufai was the type of minister who, when there was a major problem, would act swiftly. For example, when the abattoir was relocated, and there were issues with infrastructure, security, and water in the new location, he didn’t shift blame or ignore the matter,” she said.
Kingibe stressed that to succeed as FCT minister, one must remain engaged with residents and responsive to their concerns.