Wike Says No Government Can Solve All Problems, Urges Citizens to Take Responsibility

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has said that no government, regardless of its intentions or duration in office, can solve all the problems facing the country. Speaking during recent engagements in Abuja, Wike stressed that governance is a continuous process that requires both leadership commitment and active public participation. He stated that even if he remained the Minister of the FCT for 200 years, it would still be impossible to address every challenge. According to him, the government can only identify key areas of concern and work diligently to improve them, while relying on citizens to support and sustain these efforts. Wike’s remarks come amid ongoing criticisms over his administration’s priorities, particularly regarding massive infrastructural projects in Abuja. While the minister has earned commendation for pursuing road construction, interchanges, and the Abuja International Conference Centre, some observers have raised concerns about neglect of key sectors like education and public welfare. In his defense, Wike maintained that his approach is grounded in accountability and strategic planning. He noted that several projects are being funded through internally generated revenue, with strict monitoring to ensure contractors are paid and projects are completed on time. He also emphasized the role of residents in protecting government installations and infrastructure, citing repeated cases of vandalism. According to him, public infrastructure should not be seen as government property alone, but as assets belonging to the people. The minister has also drawn attention over the recent enforcement of ground rent payments, which affected over 4,000 property owners, including diplomatic missions and political party offices. While many applauded the move as a step toward fiscal discipline, legal experts such as Femi Falana warned against breaching international diplomatic protocols by targeting embassies. Meanwhile, former presidential aspirant and media mogul Dele Momodu commended President Bola Tinubu for stepping in to manage the situation, describing Wike’s enforcement style as assertive, likening him to a “co-president.” Despite the backlash, Wike insists there are no untouchables in Abuja, and that laws must be applied uniformly to all. He reaffirmed his commitment to developing the capital territory while calling on citizens to play their part in sustaining progress. His remarks also drew reactions from activists such as Omoyele Sowore, who accused the administration of prioritizing lavish spending over basic education, pointing to the prolonged closure of public schools in the FCT due to unpaid salaries. Wike responded by reiterating that efforts are ongoing to address issues in the education sector, but insisted that not all problems can be solved at once. He called for patience and cooperation from residents, stressing that governance cannot succeed without collective responsibility.