The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday in Abuja assured the six newly elected Area Council chairmen that his administration will cooperate with them to promote development in the nation’s capital.
He gave the assurance when the council leaders visited his office to receive their certificates of return ahead of their swearing-in scheduled for June.
During the meeting, Wike congratulated the chairmen on their electoral victory and said their success came after a competitive process that gave them the opportunity to serve the people of their respective councils. He explained that the Federal Capital Territory Administration is ready to partner with the incoming officials to ensure progress across the councils.
The minister said governance in the FCT requires cooperation among leaders regardless of their political affiliations. According to him, working together across party lines has been part of the approach of the current administration since he assumed office, and that method has helped the government carry out several projects in the territory.
Wike also acknowledged that some of the candidates who contested the elections had the support of the government because of their connection with President Bola Tinubu. He noted that those who backed the President received assistance during the election process and eventually won their contests.
Despite this, the minister said individuals from other political parties who share similar goals with the administration will also be welcomed to work together for the growth of the Federal Capital Territory.
He described the expected partnership among the leaders as a coalition where people from different political backgrounds can contribute to governance.
The minister advised the newly elected chairmen to begin preparations for the responsibilities ahead of them. He assured them that once they assume office, the FCT Administration will cooperate with them to improve governance in the area councils.
Wike also commended the outgoing council chairmen for their service and wished them success in their future pursuits.
In the February 21 Area Council elections held in the Federal Capital Territory, the All Progressives Congress won five out of the six chairmanship positions.
The party secured victories in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abaji, Bwari, Kwali and Kuje. The Peoples Democratic Party, however, won the chairmanship seat in Gwagwalada.