Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the National Assembly, has declared that residents of Abuja will use the upcoming local government elections to express their dissatisfaction with the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, Senator Kingibe criticized the minister for failing to address the pressing needs of Abuja residents, stating that Wike “does not understand the needs of the people and is not meeting them.”
According to her, “The truth is that the people of the FCT resent Wike. They are not happy with his attitude and his failure to meet their needs. The council elections will show him who truly owns Abuja.”
She emphasized that the election will serve as a de facto referendum on Wike’s stewardship since assuming office as FCT Minister.
This criticism comes amid growing concerns over poor infrastructure and lack of basic amenities in several communities within the FCT.
One such area is Chetta community in Gaube Ward of Kuje Area Council, where residents have been forced to depend on contaminated water from a site taken over by illegal gold miners. Their only stream dried up during the dry season, leaving the community with no clean water source for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
The civic group Monitng recently raised the alarm about worsening health conditions in Chetta, noting that the situation is particularly dire for children, nursing mothers, and menstruating women. The lack of clean water has led to a surge in waterborne diseases, putting the entire community at risk.
Despite promises by successive administrations, communities like Chetta remain underserved and continue to battle fundamental issues such as access to clean, safe water.
As council elections approach, many residents see the polls not just as a political exercise but as an opportunity to demand accountability and better governance.
