By Sarah NEGEDU
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has described the recent defection of 16 lawmakers from the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, as unfortunate, saying the move reflects the factional divisions within the party.
Recall that 16 lawmakers, including the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, had during plenary on Friday, announced their defection from the PDP to the ruling APC.
However, fielding questions from journalists after inspecting the ongoing construction of an interchange bridge connecting Maitama, Gishiri, Jahi, and Gwarimpa, Wike said the development was regrettable but stressed that it would not distract him from his work or his commitment to the remaining PDP members.
He also reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, noting that a significant number of lawmakers remain in the party, and urged party leaders to stabilise its internal structures.
“Well, it’s unfortunate. I have always said that everybody has the right to make a choice. The party is fully factionalised. And the requirement of the Constitution is that when a party is factionalised, they are allowed to leave the party.
“You will see that it’s not everybody that has left. I believe 16 or 17 of them have left out of 27. We still have a good number, about 10, and we will continue to work together. They never told me, but they have a right.”
The former Rivers State Governor also stated that he remained in the PDP, urging the party to put its house in order.
“I’m still in the PDP. So those who have remained, we’ll continue to work together. And I have said to the party, put your house in order. Because at the end of the day, if you don’t put your house in order, it’s the party that will lose.
“And we still ask the party to work together to see how the remaining members will be a relevant opposition. But they chose not to. So for me, those who have left are free. But those who remain in the party, we will continue to work together,” he added.
Wike also addressed circulating rumors claiming he had been arrested in France, dismissing the report as politically motivated distractions aimed at undermining his focus.
“On the day they claimed I was arrested, I was inspecting Kubwa-Bwari Road projects. Critics thrive on propaganda, but focus is non-negotiable. When your boss (President Tinubu) is satisfied and you’re delivering on your mandate, no lie can derail you. Stay focused,” he stated.
On the ongoing Gwarimpa Interchange and Shehu Shagari Way extension, the minister praised the contractors handling the project, or their dedication despite funding challenges.
He said, “It’s truly amazing. When I visited this place in November 2024, piling work was underway. Today, the quality and pace of work are commendable. The contractor has promised completion of the Gwarimpa Interchange within three months, and we will ensure they are adequately funded to deliver.”
The minister noted that the interchange will ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity to Gwarimpa Housing Estate, linking Bunkoro, Wupa, Kafe, and Gwarimpa II districts as well as Sector Center E, the commercial hub of Phase III of the Federal Capital City.
“Our goal is to position Abuja among the world’s elite cities. Contractors’ confidence in this administration is a testament to our credibility. The Renewed Hope Agenda is on course,” Wike added.
The Gwarimpa Interchange forms part of the Full Scope Development of Arterial Road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) from Ring Road II to Ring Road III, with two interchange bridges at N16/RRII and N16/RIII intersections. Once completed, the project is expected to significantly enhance Abuja’s road network and ease traffic congestion across Phase III of the city.
