By Rapheal Vice President Kashim
Wike challenges opposition coalition to prove their worth
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has emphasised that the current administration is committed not only to infrastructure development but also to restoring public trust in government.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the commissioning of the newly rehabilitated Aguma Palace鈥揜adio Nigeria鈥揘ew Market Road in Gwagwalada Area Council, he declared that the era of unfulfilled promises is over.
鈥淲hat brings us together on this historic day is more than a road. It is a reminder that no community under this administration is too far to be seen and nobody is too pained to be heard. I am not only delighted to be in Gwagwalada today, I am deeply fulfilled by what this business signifies, that we are steadily bridging the gap between promise and performance.鈥
Tinubu described the road as a 鈥渃orridor of dignity for the market women, a path to safety for our school children and a road to prosperity for the hard-working trader.鈥 He added: 鈥淭he days of empty promises and abundant projects are behind us. We are not just building infrastructure, we are building confidence in governance.鈥
He stressed that the project was a response to grassroots demands, not a top-down directive, highlighting the administration鈥檚 commitment to participatory democracy.
鈥淲hat makes this moment even more remarkable is that the projects we are unveiling were not imposed from above. They were nominated by the people of Gwagwalada themselves, and this is the kind of democracy we believe in. One that listens, one that responds, and one that delivers.鈥
He commended Minister Nyesom Wike鈥檚 leadership, saying, 鈥淚 thank him for proving that disruption is not a threat to order, but a requirement for progress.鈥
Wike had earlier criticised opposition politicians for forming a coalition just 18 months after President Tinubu鈥檚 inauguration, challenging them to present their achievements to Nigerians.
鈥淚 never knew people were so pained that so many things are going on very well in the FCT. Until last night. I saw one of the presidential aspirants from the coalition party, an industrialist, so pained to the point that he was angry. The President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation are coming to commission projects. Yet they say Nigerians are angry.鈥
He challenged former officeholders, including Rotimi Amaechi and David Mark, to present their records.
Wike also criticised the coalition鈥檚 support for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, referencing his frequent party changes.