‘Accountability Lies with the People’ – Wike Applauds Local Government Autonomy

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the recent autonomy granted to local governments, stating firmly, “I have no apologies, that there should be autonomy of local governments.”

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for the upgrading of War College and other roads in Bwari on Monday, Wike clarified that he has no interest in the allocations to area councils, focusing solely on the funds under his direct management.

According to Wike, this move will place accountability directly on local government authorities, making them answerable to the people.

“Since we came as ministers, I don’t even know how much they get. I’ve never bothered to ask myself. I’m not interested to know. I have my own allocation, they have their own allocation. And that is why I support Mr President, and I have no apologies to anybody. I have no apologies, that there should be autonomy of local governments,” he stated.

“What they do with it, let the people ask them. Let them be accountable to the people and let us be accountable to the one that has been given to us.”

Expressing satisfaction with the achievements of the current administration, Wike highlighted visible progress and urged residents to pay their ground rents, emphasizing that development in Abuja is a collective effort.

“That is what I used to do all these roads. No oil in Abuja, the only way we have to provide infrastructure is when you pay your ground rent so we will be able to do these roads,” he added.

Wike encouraged citizens to hold the government accountable for the utilization of their taxes, adding that “When you pay your tax, you have the right to ask questions. What do you do with my money? Nobody will prosecute you for doing that.”

Regarding the ongoing issue of street begging in Abuja, Wike reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to eradicating it, with plans to launch a new security initiative to address the issue.

“On Friday, of course, we’re going to launch another security scheme where we’re going to make sure there are no beggars,” he stated. “FCT cannot be overrun by beggars. It is the only city we have in Nigeria to showcase the world, who will allow that?”