Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Monday distanced himself from the controversy surrounding the screening of aspirants by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, saying the issue does not concern him since he is not a member of the party.
Speaking to journalists during an inspection tour of ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s third anniversary, Wike said he had no basis to comment on APC’s internal matters.
“I am not a member of the APC, so I don’t know what is happening in their screening. Even if they publish the results, why would I comment? I don’t know the reasons they have,” Wike told journalists.
He further stressed that he would only speak on issues within his responsibility.
“What pertains to me is what I will talk about, not what does not concern me. I’m not a native doctor, neither am I a prophet,” he said.
On the political realignments taking shape in Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, Wike said his “rainbow coalition” would be driven by strategy and electoral strength rather than party affiliation.
“That is the essence of the rainbow coalition in Rivers State. We will look at where we have strength, compare notes and vote accordingly,” he said.
During his tour, the minister inspected several road and bridge projects across the FCT, expressing satisfaction with the level of progress recorded.
He said contractors handling key infrastructure projects had assured the administration that pending works, including streetlights, would be completed before the end of May.
“We are very happy. They promised that before the end of the month, they would finish the streetlights,” he said.
READ ALSO: Wike Dismisses Fubara’s Invitation to Rivers Lawmakers as ‘Useless’
Wike also noted that the Dutse-Alhaji-to-M5 road project was advancing steadily, while another project handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCCC) was nearly completed.
“That road is already completed, and the contractor, CCCC, has promised that within the next 10 days, they will complete the streetlights. We are very comfortable and happy,” he said.
He added that a major bridge project in the capital had already been launched, with connecting roads under construction to ease traffic flow toward Kubwa.
“The bridge has been launched, and they have started the connection that will direct traffic from here to Kubwa. It is a wonderful thing. We are happy,” he said.
According to him, several of the projects will be commissioned during activities marking President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.
“Part of these projects fixed by Mr President will be inaugurated. Quality jobs done by very good contractors. We are happy. The excellence is there,” he added.
On complaints regarding alleged harassment by Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) officials during tax enforcement, Wike acknowledged concerns over tax collection practices but said no formal complaint had been submitted to his office.
“There must be a civilised way of collecting taxes, but knowing our taxpayers, people don’t like to pay tax. When tax collectors come, they find one excuse or the other,” he said.