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President Bola Tinubu has approved the procurement of brand-new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for traditional rulers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), following his administration’s decision to upgrade traditional stools that had remained unchanged for 27 years.
The Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, who disclosed this, said the vehicles would be delivered to the monarchs before December, describing the presidential approval as recognition of the important role traditional institutions play in maintaining peace and preserving cultural heritage.
Wike made the disclosure at the Rainbow Coalition Stakeholders Rally and unveiling of FCT National Assembly candidates, organised by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja on Saturday.
According to a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Press, Office of the FCT Minister, Rabi Umar, the minister said the President’s approval of the upgrade of traditional stools, after 27 years of neglect, demonstrated his administration’s commitment to the FCT’s traditional institutions.
He said the provision of official vehicles would further enhance the dignity and status of traditional rulers in the territory.
“Mr President has said that you cannot just answer royal fathers by mouth. You cannot just answer royal fathers by entering Keke Napep. You cannot answer royal fathers by entering Okada. That all of you, by the grace of God, before December, you will go with your SUV cars.
“If there is any traditional institution that needs to be treated well, that needs empowerment, it’s the traditional institution of the Federal Capital Territory”, Wike said.
The minister also announced that President Tinubu had approved four buses for youths in the FCT to strengthen their mobilisation ahead of the January 16, 2027 Area Council elections.
He fixed November 10 for an interactive session with youths across the six area councils and promised a separate engagement with persons with disabilities, stressing that “disability does not mean you do not have capacity”.
The rally attracted traditional rulers, the six area council chairmen, leaders of indigenous communities, youth and women groups, as well as political leaders across party lines, including the APC and PDP chairmen in the FCT.
The gathering also witnessed a joint endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term in 2027, alongside Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda for the FCT senatorial seat, Hon. John Gabaya for Abuja North and Hon. Danladi Chiya for Abuja South Federal Constituency.
Charging supporters to ensure electoral victory for the endorsed candidates, Wike called for strict grassroots mobilisation, insisting that political leaders must take responsibility for delivering their polling units, wards and area councils.
“Deliver your polling unit, deliver your ward, deliver your local government, deliver your state”, he said.
He warned party supporters against claiming credit for electoral victories when they had failed to deliver their respective polling units.
“I don’t want to hear: I lost my polling unit, but we won. If you lose your polling unit, don’t say we won because you never contributed to the victory. So, everybody go home, it’s an operation to deliver your polling unit”, Wike stated.
The minister also expressed confidence in Aduda’s return to the Senate in 2027, arguing that the former senator had maintained a closer relationship with his constituents.
“We shall never make the mistake we made in 2023. When you realise a mistake, you correct it. To God be the glory, come January 2027, Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda will be elected because he identifies with you and cares about you”, Wike said.
He questioned the performance of the incumbent senator, asking whether he had ever convened a meeting with his constituents or sponsored a bill addressing issues affecting the FCT.
