Wike may be a rascal, but he has changed Abuja – Sheriff

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff has commended Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike for significantly transforming Abuja, while candidly describing his character as that of a “rascal.”

In an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Sheriff acknowledged Wike’s impactful tenure, asserting that no previous FCT minister has matched his level of development work in the capital since its establishment.

“I’m not a fan of Wike. Wike’s character is that of a rascal, but you cannot take away from him that he has changed Abuja,” Sheriff said.

“From the time Abuja was created up to this moment, nobody has worked like him. So people like me will ignore his rascality because he is working.”

Sheriff also drew parallels with other ministers, citing Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake’s success in transforming Nasarawa into an industrial hub for mineral extraction, despite not being from the state. “

Wike is not from Abuja, he is from Rivers, he is changing Abuja,” Sheriff added, emphasizing that effective leadership transcends regional ties.

He criticized unnamed ministers for misleading the public, suggesting that Wike’s results-driven approach sets him apart.

Since assuming office on August 21, 2023, Wike has prioritized security, sanitation, street lighting, and revenue generation, pledging to restore Abuja’s status as a world-class capital.

His initiatives include revitalizing mass transit systems and enforcing ground rent payments to boost FCT revenue.

While his tenure has faced scrutiny, including allegations of improper land allocations, supporters argue his bold actions have driven unprecedented progress in the FCT.