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• Announces approval of Third-Class Chieftaincy title for Gwari people of Gwagwalada
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By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has lauded the people of Gwagwalada for electing Mohammed Kasim of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as chairman-elect of Gwagwalada Area Council, describing him as a hard-working leader with whom he is ready to partner in developing the community.
Speaking during a visit to Gwagwalada, Wike said the election of Kasim reflected the will of the people. “I commend and respect the people of Gwagwalada for choosing Kasim as your chairman. This is the voice of the people. This is what you want, and that is why you have gotten Kasim,” he said.
Wike urged the chairman-elect to consult widely with residents and prioritise key projects instead of trying to address all local challenges at once. “Sit down with your people and identify the projects you want immediately,” he advised. “To be frank, all the things you have mentioned cannot be solved at the same time. So, choose the ones that are most important to your people.”
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The FCT minister also announced the approval of a third-class chieftaincy title for the Gwari people of Gwagwalada, describing the gesture as part of the government’s recognition of local traditions.
Wike further extended appreciation from President Bola Tinubu to the residents for their support, noting that political cooperation now transcends party lines. “Mr President has sent me to tell you thank you. Kasim may have won under the PDP, but it’s a rainbow coalition. Kasim will support Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Addressing the issue of potable water in Zuba, Wike promised immediate intervention. “You have talked about water; I feel so bad that you don’t have water in Zuba. What I will tell you is that you should consider it done,” he assured.
The minister also called on residents to ensure that future elections reflect local representation. “We are not going to vote again for people who don’t know where Gwagwalada is,” he declared. “We will choose somebody who understands the people of Gwagwalada and who understands Abuja.”
Wike described the turnout of residents as impressive and said it showed their enthusiasm for governance. “This is the best of all the visits I have gone,” he said, adding that political disagreements are part of democracy. “We agree to disagree, and we disagree to agree. I am not angry at all; there’s no need for apology.”
He concluded by commending the peaceful conduct of the residents and promised to brief the President on the situation. “I will go back and tell Mr President what I have seen. Gwagwalada is a no-go area,” he said emphatically.
