Wike not to blame for FCT floods, says Reps spokesman

House of Representatives Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese defended Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike against criticism over recent flooding in Abuja, stating residents must also take responsibility. Agbese, a Labour Party lawmaker, criticized blaming Wike for the flooding, likening it to the Israelites blaming Moses for the Promised Land.

He noted that the FCT Administration had undertaken several infrastructure projects to improve roads, drainage, transportation, and other facilities, completing 221 out of 317 kilometers of roads in satellite towns. Agbese cited projects like the Gwarampa-Jahi Interchange, Airport-Kuje Road, Kuje-Gwagwalada Road, and sections of the Outer Southern Expressway as major achievements by the FCTA.

He emphasized that residents contribute to flooding through activities like indiscriminate waste dumping, which obstruct waterways and drainage channels. Agbese urged residents to stop using waterways as dumping grounds and to report blocked or encroached waterways to authorities. He also called on the FCTA to sustain investments in flood-control infrastructure and enforce regulations against waste dumping and waterway encroachment.

Agbese urged residents to view themselves as partners in Abuja's development, urging constructive criticism alongside responsible citizenship.