The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday in Abuja said no political party was stopped from using Eagle Square, explaining that no group, including the African Democratic Congress, submitted any formal request for the venue.
He made this known during an inspection of ongoing projects in the Federal Capital Territory, where he addressed claims that a party had been denied access to the facility. He stated that such claims were not true, adding that no application had been received through the proper channel.
Wike explained that anyone seeking to use Eagle Square must follow due process by applying through the Abuja Investments Company Limited, which manages the venue, and by paying the required fees. He said past users like the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party followed this procedure when they used Eagle Square and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Velodrome.
He also clarified that the velodrome is not under the control of the FCT Administration but belongs to the Sports Commission, making it a separate authority.
While speaking on development projects, the minister said work on major roads in Abuja was progressing well and is expected to be completed by May 15, while streetlights installation would be finished before the end of May. He added that contractors had assured the government of meeting these deadlines.
At Gaduwa, he said steps had been taken to protect road corridors by directing the installation of barriers to prevent encroachment, while streetlight work was ongoing in the area.
In Wassa, the minister revealed plans to relocate informal workers, including traders from the Apo Mechanic Village, to a new site with better facilities, as part of efforts to improve their working conditions.
Reacting to reports about damage at the Kugbo Bus Terminal, Wike explained that a windstorm caused parts of the roof to be blown off, but the main structure remained intact. He said repairs were already in progress and confirmed that no lives were lost.
He added that the steady pace of development in the FCT was due to cooperation between the government and contractors, supported by timely payment for projects.