Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has defended Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, against criticism over recent flooding in parts of Abuja, saying residents must also take responsibility for actions that worsen the problem.

Agbese, who represents the Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, made the remarks in a statement issued to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday.

The lawmaker argued that holding Wike solely responsible for the flooding was unfair, pointing to ongoing infrastructure projects by the FCT Administration aimed at improving roads, drainage systems, transportation and other public facilities.

He said the government’s efforts should be acknowledged while shortcomings requiring attention were also identified and addressed.

Agbese said the FCT Administration had expanded infrastructure development beyond the Abuja city centre to satellite towns, noting that 221 kilometres of roads out of the 317 kilometres awarded since the beginning of the Bola Tinubu administration had been completed.

He listed the Gwarampa-Jahi Interchange, Airport-Kuje Road, Kuje-Gwagwalada Road and portions of the Outer Southern Expressway among major projects completed and inaugurated by the administration.

Describing Wike as “a prophet who is not honoured at home,” Agbese said the minister’s achievements had attracted recognition despite criticism from some residents over challenges within the capital.

He maintained that flooding in Abuja should not be viewed exclusively as a government failure, particularly as rapid population growth, construction and other human activities continue to place pressure on drainage systems and natural waterways.

The lawmaker identified indiscriminate waste disposal as one of the factors aggravating flooding, accusing some residents of blocking drainage channels and waterways with refuse.

Agbese urged residents to stop treating drainage channels and waterways as dumping grounds and encouraged them to report blocked or encroached waterways to the appropriate authorities.

At the same time, he called on the FCT Administration to maintain its investment in drainage and flood-control infrastructure while strengthening enforcement against illegal dumping and encroachment on waterways.

According to him, residents should see themselves as partners in the development of Abuja rather than merely beneficiaries of government projects.

Agbese said the government had a responsibility to provide infrastructure and address areas requiring improvement, but citizens also had a duty to protect public facilities and maintain clean communities.

He urged residents to support development efforts while offering constructive criticism, stressing that the broader goal should be to create an FCT capable of managing the pressures created by population growth, extreme weather and increasing human activity.