Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Monday declared that “politics is not a sin” as he formally welcomed Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara back into the political fold, insisting that the governor had “no other choice” than to return to the political family that brought him to power.
Speaking with journalists after inspecting ongoing road projects across the Federal Capital Territory, Wike said Fubara’s decision to publicly align once again with his political camp was a step in the right direction, adding that the reconciliation would strengthen support for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election.
“I said during my last media chat that he had no other choice but to return to the same political family that produced him. I have now been informed that he has made that declaration publicly, and we welcome him,” the minister said.
“Our doors are open. Everyone is welcome for us to work together. There is no better alternative. We will all work together to move the state forward.”
Responding to a question on whether the governor’s return amounted to forgiveness after months of political disagreements, Wike dismissed the notion of “sin” in politics.
“I don’t know what you mean by sin. In politics, there is no sin. If someone realises they made a mistake and decides to correct it, there is nothing wrong with that. Politics is not a sin. What matters is recognising that you were on the wrong path and making the right decision.”
He added that Fubara’s public declaration of reconciliation would strengthen efforts to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s second-term bid.
“He has publicly stated that he has returned to where he started, and we receive him with an open mind. There is nothing to hide. We will all work together to ensure that we deliver the votes President Tinubu needs for his re-election.”
The minister spoke while leading senior officials of the FCT Administration on an inspection of major road projects, including the ongoing ISEX Road Corridor and the nearly completed Apo-Karshi Road, both regarded as strategic infrastructure expected to unlock development across large sections of the capital city.
Wike expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the ISEX Road, noting that construction commenced immediately after President Tinubu flagged off the project during the third anniversary commissioning of landmark infrastructure across the FCT.
“This road was flagged off during the third anniversary commissioning. We came here today to assess the progress made since the flag-off, and as you can see, the contractor moved to site immediately after the ceremony,” he said.
According to him, the contractor has assured the administration that the project will be ready for commissioning in December.
“I believe them. They are committed to handing over this project by December. We will be very happy because this road will open up the entire area for development,” he stated.
The minister also inspected the long-delayed ISEX Road project, describing it as one of the last major inherited infrastructure projects yet to be completed in the FCT.
Awarded in 2014, the 10-kilometre road, complete with interchanges, has remained unfinished through successive administrations.
Wike disclosed that the contractor had undertaken to complete six kilometres of the road and key interchanges before the end of the year, provided adequate funding is released.
“We have appealed to the Minister of Finance because the project is already captured in the national budget. If part of the funds is released, the contractor will be able to meet the deadline,” he explained.
He described the project as critical to the transformation of Abuja, saying discussions with the Federal Ministry of Finance would continue until the required funds are made available.
“This project is very important to us because it will significantly change the landscape of the Federal Capital Territory.”
The minister said the near completion of the Apo-Karshi Road and the expected delivery of the ISEX Road would mark the fulfilment of one of the administration’s major promises — to complete inherited projects rather than abandon them.
“The Access (ISEX) Road will be the last major inherited project awarded by a previous administration to be completed. Once we achieve that, we can confidently say we have fulfilled our promise to complete projects inherited from previous administrations instead of allowing them to become abandoned.”
Reflecting on the state of infrastructure when the Tinubu administration assumed office in 2023, Wike recalled that abandoned projects littered the capital city, slowing development and denying residents essential infrastructure.
“The FCT is the nation’s capital, and having abandoned projects everywhere does not present a good image. When we assumed office in 2023, abandoned projects were scattered across the territory. That situation slowed development, delayed infrastructure delivery and affected communities.”
He credited President Tinubu with directing that all inherited projects be completed to safeguard public investments.
“President Tinubu directed that all inherited projects should be completed to ensure that public funds already invested are not wasted. That directive has brought us to where we are today.”
The minister stressed that continuity in governance, not the pursuit of personal legacy, defines responsible leadership.
“Leadership requires continuity. Some people assume office and say they will only focus on projects they initiated. That is not leadership. Good leadership is continuing projects that are vital to the development of the city, projects that transform the landscape and improve the economy.”
With contractors making steady progress on site, Wike said the responsibility now rests with the government to meet its financial obligations and ensure that the projects are delivered as scheduled.
“We are pleased with the progress the contractors are making. It is now our responsibility to fulfil our own obligations so they can complete these projects on schedule.”
The inspection formed part of the FCT Administration’s routine monitoring of ongoing infrastructure projects, many of which are targeted for commissioning before the end of the year as the administration continues its drive to expand road connectivity, open up new districts and improve mobility within Nigeria’s capital.
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