“Corruption fighting back against my reforms, and I will defeat it” – Wike

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has firmly stated that no amount of blackmail or orchestrated protests will derail his commitment to delivering transformative development to Abuja residents.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Phase 2 water project in Abuja on Tuesday, Wike addressed recent media reports alleging debts owed to “local contractors.”

“I challenge anyone claiming I awarded them contracts to produce the documents,” Wike declared, dismissing unverified claims.

He accused some civil servants of generating fictitious debts by awarding contracts worth N10 million, N15 million, or N20 million without ministerial approval.

“They’re trying to blackmail me into paying, but I won’t yield. This is corruption fighting back against my reforms, and I will defeat it,” he asserted.

Wike emphasized that his administration is channeling funds into impactful capital projects rather than wasteful recurrent expenses.

He revealed that the FCT’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has surged from N9 billion monthly to over N30 billion under his leadership.

“Without prudent management, how could we fund the major infrastructure projects we’re commissioning today?” he asked. Dismissing the legitimacy of protesters, he added, “Look at them—do they look like the contractors who built these roads? They’re sponsored by those who profited from past corruption.”

The minister criticized past mismanagement, noting that abandoned projects in Abuja stemmed from funds being diverted to unnecessary expenses, such as frequent foreign trips and overpriced procurements like computers.

“I’m not here for a popularity contest. I’m here to deliver results—roads, schools, hospitals, water, and security. That’s the love I want residents to feel,” Wike said.

Reflecting on his public service record, Wike underscored his resistance to external pressures.

“From my time as a council chairman to now, no one has ever dictated to me. Pray all you want—it won’t change what’s right. Abuja must change, and we will make it happen,” he insisted.

Wike vowed that his tenure would be remembered for restoring discipline, curbing waste, and redirecting resources toward meaningful development in the FCT.

“By the time I leave office, history will judge us as an administration that prioritized tangible progress,” he concluded.